7 Low Carb Ground Beef Recipes That Actually Taste Good

When I first switched to a lower-carb lifestyle, I assumed my dinner options would shrink. I was wrong. Ground beef quickly became my kitchen MVP because it is affordable, versatile, and cooks fast.

Whether you are strictly keto or just trying to cut back on pasta and bread, these recipes are staples in my rotation. They prove that you do not need fillers or heavy starches to make a meal that feels complete. Here are seven distinct ways to turn a simple package of ground beef into something crave-worthy.

1. 20-Minute Egg Roll in a Bowl (Crack Slaw)

This is often called “Crack Slaw” in low-carb circles because it is incredibly addictive.¹ It captures all the savory, sesame-ginger flavors of a pork egg roll without the deep-fried wrapper. It is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table immediately.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
• 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for heat)
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked. Drain excess fat if preferred, though leaving a little adds flavor.
2. Push the beef to the side of the pan. Add the garlic and ginger to the center and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the coleslaw mix, soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine everything.
4. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight crunch.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	22g
Fat	20g
Net Carbs	6g

2. Zucchini Boat Bolognese

Pasta is usually the vehicle for bolognese, but hollowed-out zucchini works surprisingly well. The zucchini soaks up the tomato juices and holds its shape if you do not overcook it. This feels like a “fancy” dinner but takes very little effort.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 cup marinara sauce (no sugar added)
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating a hollow “boat.”
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish. Spoon the meat mixture generously into each boat.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	290 kcal
Protein	25g
Fat	18g
Net Carbs	7g

3. Garlic Butter Beef and Broccoli

Skip the takeout. This stir-fry uses butter instead of vegetable oil to create a rich, velvety sauce that coats the broccoli florets perfectly. It is a high-protein meal that keeps you full for hours.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best)
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the broccoli and beef broth. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green.
3. Remove the lid and let the liquid reduce. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic.
4. Add the cooked beef back into the pan. Toss everything together until the butter melts and coats the meat and vegetables.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like spice.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	23g
Fat	26g
Net Carbs	5g

4. Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Skillet

This recipe deconstructs the classic sandwich into a one-pan meal. By using ground beef instead of sliced steak, you save money without sacrificing that signature flavor combination of savory beef, peppers, and creamy cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 onion, sliced into strips
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 4 slices Provolone cheese
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large cast-iron skillet. Drain half the fat.
2. Add the peppers and onions to the beef. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cubed cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts and creates a sauce.
4. Flatten the mixture with a spatula and layer the Provolone slices on top.
5. Cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts completely. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	410 kcal
Protein	28g
Fat	30g
Net Carbs	6g

5. Mexican Taco Salad Bowl

This is my go-to lunch prep. It holds up well in the fridge and allows for plenty of customization. The key is making your own taco seasoning to avoid the cornstarch and hidden sugars found in store-bought packets.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder)
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salsa (check labels for sugar)

Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the taco seasoning and a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) to help coat the meat. Simmer until the water evaporates.
3. Assemble the bowls: Start with a base of romaine lettuce.
4. Top with the warm taco meat, cheese, avocado, and salsa.
5. Finish with a dollop of sour cream.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	26g
Fat	28g
Net Carbs	4g

6. Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Standard meatballs often use breadcrumbs as a binder.² In this low-carb version, we use parmesan cheese and an egg to keep them tender. The hidden center of melted mozzarella is always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup marinara sauce (no sugar added)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder. Do not overmix, or the meat will become tough.
3. Take a small handful of meat and flatten it. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and fold the meat around it to seal it completely.
4. Place meatballs in a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
5. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and bake for another 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	310 kcal
Protein	24g
Fat	21g
Net Carbs	3g

7. Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Sometimes you just crave comfort food. This casserole mimics the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger but in a bake format. It freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prepping ahead of a busy week.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic in a skillet. Stir in the tomato paste. Drain excess fat.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to a greased baking dish (9×9 size works well).
4. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and heavy cream together. Pour this over the beef.
5. Sprinkle the cheese and chopped bacon on top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the egg mixture is set and the top is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	29g
Fat	35g
Net Carbs	3g

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fat percentage for low-carb ground beef recipes?

I recommend using 85/15 or 80/20 ground beef. The higher fat content provides essential satiety and flavor, which is crucial when you are not eating carbohydrates. Leaner blends like 90/10 can dry out quickly without a sauce.

Can I freeze these cooked meals?

Yes, most of these recipes freeze well. The Taco Salad ingredients should be stored separately, but the Casserole, Meatballs, and Bolognese can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How do I thicken sauces without cornstarch or flour?

In low-carb cooking, we reduce liquids by simmering them longer to concentrate the flavor. Alternatively, you can use heavy cream, cream cheese, or a tiny amount of xanthan gum to thicken sauces without adding carbohydrates.

Can I swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted in any of these recipes. However, poultry is much leaner than beef, so you may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to ensure the dish remains moist and flavorful.³

Conclusion

Eating low carb does not mean eating bland food or spending hours in the kitchen. These seven ground beef recipes demonstrate that you can create nutrient-dense, flavorful meals with simple ingredients found at any grocery store. Start with the Egg Roll in a Bowl for a quick win, and try the Cheeseburger Casserole when you need pure comfort food. The key to sticking with this way of eating is variety, and ground beef offers exactly that.