7 Easy Keto Ground Beef Creations (Under 30 Minutes!)

The ketogenic diet can sometimes feel restrictive, especially when you’re short on time. Keto ground beef is your best friend. It’s incredibly versatile, cooks quickly, and is packed with protein and healthy fats.

This means delicious, satisfying keto meals are well within reach, even on the busiest weeknights. Get ready to explore seven easy keto ground beef recipes that take less than 30 minutes to prepare.

What Makes Keto Recipe So Appealing?

Keto ground beef recipes are popular for several reasons. First, ground beef is incredibly affordable and readily available in most grocery stores.

Second, it’s a blank canvas for flavor; you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences with different spices, sauces, and vegetables.

Finally, and most importantly for keto followers, ground beef is very low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats, perfectly aligning with the ketogenic macronutrient ratios.

Furthermore, the speed of preparation is a significant advantage. When you’re following a strict diet, quick and easy meals are essential to maintain adherence and avoid temptation.

How to Choose the Right Ground Beef for Keto

When selecting ground beef for your keto meals, look for options with a higher fat content. This will contribute to satiety and help you stay in ketosis.

Lean ground beef can work, but you might need to add extra healthy fats such as avocado oil or butter to your recipes.

Look for labels that specify the percentage of fat, aiming for at least 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat) or even higher fat content if you prefer.

7 Quick & Easy Keto Ground Beef Recipes (Under 30 Minutes!)

1. Keto Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A simple, one-pan wonder that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. This recipe combines the heartiness of ground beef with the mild sweetness of cabbage, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Preparation: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the chopped cabbage, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cabbage is tender-crisp.

Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for a few more minutes until the broth has reduced slightly. Serve hot.

2. Spicy Keto Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice

This recipe is a flavor-packed alternative to traditional rice dishes. The spice level can be adjusted to suit your preference, making it a versatile option for any keto meal plan.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 bag (10-12 oz) frozen cauliflower rice
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Add the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute. Add the frozen cauliflower rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and tender. Stir in the lime juice and serve hot.

3. Keto Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

A colorful and satisfying meal, these stuffed peppers are packed with flavor and nutrients. Using different colored bell peppers will make the dish even more visually appealing.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers (any color except green), halved and seeds removed
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Drain any excess grease. Add the mushrooms, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in half the shredded cheese.

Fill each bell pepper half with the ground beef mixture. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Cheesy Keto Ground Beef and Broccoli

This recipe is a quick and easy way to get your veggies and protein in one delicious pan. The creamy cheese sauce makes it a comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Preparation: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.

Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Pour the cheese sauce over the ground beef and broccoli mixture. Stir in the shredded cheese and cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve hot.

5. Keto Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

A light and refreshing meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Lettuce wraps are a great way to enjoy the flavors of tacos without the carbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup guacamole
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Preparation: Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.

Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute. To assemble the wraps, fill each lettuce leaf with the seasoned ground beef. Top with shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Serve immediately.

6. Keto Ground Beef and Zucchini Noodles

A low-carb twist on a classic pasta dish. Zucchini noodles are a great way to add more vegetables to your diet while keeping your carb count low.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups zucchini noodles (zoodles)
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Preparation: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.

Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Remove from heat and stir in the pesto and parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

7. Keto Chili with Ground Beef

A hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for colder days. This chili is packed with flavor and is easy to customize with your favorite keto-friendly toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, no added sugar
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (check carb count)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Preparation: Heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.

Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika and cook for another minute. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chili has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite keto-friendly toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

Tips for Faster Ground Beef Cooking

• Prep ingredients ahead of time: Chop vegetables and measure out spices before you start cooking.
• Use pre-cooked ingredients: Pre-chopped vegetables or pre-cooked bacon bits can save valuable time.
• Embrace one-pan meals: Minimize cleanup with recipes that require only one skillet or baking dish.
• Cook ground beef in batches: If you’re cooking a large amount of ground beef, break it into smaller batches to ensure even browning.

Beyond the Recipes: Maintaining a Successful Keto Journey

While these recipes offer delicious and convenient keto options, remember that the ketogenic diet requires careful planning and tracking of macronutrients.

Consider using a food tracking app to monitor your carbohydrate intake and ensure you remain in ketosis.

Consistency is key, so finding recipes you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle is crucial for long-term success.

These seven ground beef recipes are just the beginning; experiment with different spices and flavors to discover your personal keto favorites.