This Keto Ground Beef recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. It uses ground beef, fresh vegetables, and cheese to create a tasty low-carb meal. You can cook it quickly and enjoy it any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Ground Beef Recipe
This recipe is all about simplicity without sacrificing taste. You get the rich flavor of ground beef, combined with nutritious broccoli and zucchini, all cooked in creamy cheese and seasoned with spices that bring warmth and a little heat. It’s low in carbs, high in fat and protein, and super filling—perfect to keep you energized and satisfied. Plus, it only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy days when you want a wholesome meal without fuss.
Ingredients for Keto Ground Beef
Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful keto-friendly dish. The ingredients list is straightforward and easy to find at most grocery stores.
- 500 grams Ground Beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- 300 grams Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 300 grams Zucchini (cut into cubes or slices)
- 50 grams Onion (optional for fewer carbs)
- 10 grams Garlic (powdered garlic works well for fewer carbs)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (adds a smoky touch)
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (for a mild kick)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (or dried thyme as a substitute)
- 50 grams Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- 50 grams Heavy Cream
- 50 grams Cream Cheese
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil (great for cooking at high heat)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
How to Make Keto Ground Beef
Making this recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a quick meal. Here’s the step-by-step process to create this tasty keto dish:
Start by prepping your vegetables. Cut broccoli florets away from the stem, and chop zucchini into small cubes or slices, whichever you prefer. If you’re using onion, chop it finely too.
Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil starts to shimmer and just begins to smoke, add your ground beef. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the beef to season. Cook the beef for about 1-2 minutes until it starts to brown.
Next, add the chopped onions and garlic (or powdered garlic). Cook until the onions become translucent and the garlic begins to brown. This step unlocks the flavors and aroma.
Add your spices—paprika, red chili flakes, and thyme—then stir everything well. Let the mixture cook for about a minute to let the spices bloom.
Now add in your prepared zucchini and broccoli. Give it a good stir to combine. Season with a little more salt if needed.
Cover the skillet and let the vegetables cook for about 3-4 minutes. This helps soften them while keeping some texture.
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture, then pour in the heavy cream. Cover the pan again and cook for another few minutes until the cheese melts completely.
Stir everything together and check the liquid in the pan. If there’s too much moisture, cook uncovered for a few more minutes until it reduces.
Finally, add the cream cheese to the skillet and mix well until it melts into a creamy sauce, coating the beef and veggies evenly.
Your keto ground beef is ready! Serve it hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of color and extra flavor.
How to Serve Keto Ground Beef
You can enjoy this dish straight from the pan as a filling main course that needs no extra sides. The rich creaminess combined with fresh veggies makes it complete and satisfying.
For a bit of extra texture and crunch, try serving it with a simple side salad of leafy greens dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice. This keeps the meal light and keto-friendly.
If you want to add more volume, steamed cauliflower rice pairs wonderfully with the ground beef, soaking up the creamy sauce perfectly while keeping carbs low.
Another tasty idea is to serve it with avocado slices on the side for added healthy fats and creaminess that complement the dish’s flavors.
Expert Tips for Perfect Keto Ground Beef Every Time
Start with good quality ground beef that has enough fat (around 20%). This fat is essential for flavor and helps keep the dish juicy.
Don’t skip the cream cheese or heavy cream. They create a silky, indulgent sauce that brings the whole recipe together.
If you want to reduce carbs even more, leave out the onion or use powdered garlic instead, which has fewer carbs but still adds flavor.
Make sure to not overcrowd your pan. Cooking in batches or using a large skillet ensures the beef browns nicely instead of steaming.
Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chili flakes to match your heat preference.
How to Store Keto Ground Beef
Once cooked, let your keto ground beef cool completely before storing it. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, warm it gently in a pan over medium heat to avoid drying out the cream and cheese sauce. You can add a splash of water or extra cream if the sauce looks thick.
For longer storage, this dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variation of Keto Ground Beef
This recipe is very flexible, so feel free to tweak it according to your taste or what you have on hand.
Swap broccoli or zucchini with other low-carb veggies like spinach, kale, or asparagus for a different flavor and texture.
Add some mushrooms for an earthy depth or bell peppers for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
For an extra cheesy twist, mix in mozzarella or parmesan cheese instead of cheddar.
If you want to make it spicier, add more chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
You can also turn it into a baked casserole by transferring the cooked mixture to a baking dish, topping it with extra cheese, and baking until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Ground Beef
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This keto ground beef recipe is simple and quick, perfect for anyone just starting out with keto cooking.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen broccoli and zucchini work just as well and make this recipe even easier and quicker.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt, though it will slightly change the texture.
How can I make this recipe less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the red chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Definitely! It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Keto Ground Beef
Equipment
- Large Skillet
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Ingredients
- 500 grams Ground Beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- 300 grams Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 300 grams Zucchini (cut into cubes or slices)
- 50 grams Onion (optional for fewer carbs)
- 10 grams Garlic (powdered garlic works well for fewer carbs)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (adds a smoky touch)
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (for a mild kick)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (or dried thyme as a substitute)
- 50 grams Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- 50 grams Heavy Cream
- 50 grams Cream Cheese
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil (great for cooking at high heat)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables: cut broccoli florets and chop zucchini into cubes or slices. If using onion, chop it finely.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it starts to brown.
- Add chopped onions and garlic (or powdered garlic). Cook until onions are translucent and garlic begins to brown.
- Add paprika, red chili flakes, and thyme. Stir and let cook for about a minute.
- Add zucchini and broccoli, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the mixture, then pour in heavy cream. Cover and cook until cheese melts.
- Stir everything together, checking the liquid. If too moist, cook uncovered for a few minutes.
- Add cream cheese and mix well until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of paprika.