6 Low-Carb Ground Beef Recipes That Are Easy To Make

Increasing protein intake is particularly important for those on a low-carb diet for a couple of reasons. Eating more protein can help satiate hunger, support muscle maintenance and growth, and may even aid in weight management.

However, some cuts of meat like steak and chicken can get expensive, making it challenging to maintain a low-carb diet on a budget.

Ground beef, on the other hand, is a fairly economical option. It comes in various fat percentages, and won’t break the bank when considering other high-protein meat choices.

Here are some of the easiest and most delicious low-carb ground beef recipes that are not only easy to make but also kind to your wallet.

Is Extra Lean Ground Beef Keto?

Extra lean ground beef is typically around 95-97% lean with only 3-5% fat, and zero carbohydrates. It’s certainly an acceptable choice for those following a ketogenic diet, as it is low in carbs and provides a good amount of protein.

However, the keto diet isn’t only about cutting back on carbs. It also requires you to consume more fat to reach a state of ketosis, where your body burns fat for energy instead of glucose (7).

If you are using extra lean ground beef in a keto recipe, make sure to add some healthy fats like avocado or olive oil to balance out the macronutrients.

There are better options for high-fat ground beef, such as regular or 80/20 ground beef. These cuts have a higher fat content and are better suited for the keto diet.

Is Ground Beef Low Calorie?

Ground beef can be low in calories, depending on the fat percentage. For example, a 4-ounce serving of extra lean ground beef has only around 137 calories (2), while the same amount of regular ground beef may have up to 375 calories (1).

If you are looking to cut back on calories but still want the benefits of protein and iron from ground beef, opt for extra lean or lean ground beef.

Also, keep in mind that the way you cook your ground beef can also impact the calorie count. Baking or grilling are healthier options than frying. Plus, they allow the excess fat to drain away, resulting in a lower calorie dish.

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Can I Eat a Pound of Ground Beef a Day on Keto?

1 pound of beef each day is an acceptable amount for a keto diet, as it provides around 90 grams of protein and less than 10 grams of carbs.

1 pound of ground beef can make around 3-4 servings, depending on the recipe. You can spread 1 pound of beef out, throughout the day in different meals or consume it all at once, as long as you balance it with other low-carb and high-fat foods.

Pay attention to your calorie requirements; the keto diet doesn’t have any specific guidelines for calorie intake, but eating in a caloric deficit is essential for weight loss (10).

6 Simple Low Carb Ground Beef Recipes

Low Carb Instant Pot Meatloaf (5)

When you’re craving comfort food but still want to keep it keto, this Instant Pot Meatloaf should hit the spot. It’s one of those high-protein low-carb ground beef recipes that effortlessly combines homely satisfaction with dietary discipline. Plus, making it in an Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time, making it an ideal option for those lazy keto meals with ground beef you want to enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ onion finely chopped
• ⅓ cup pork rinds crushed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoon garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
• 2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• Low carb ketchup (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped onion, crushed pork rinds, salt, pepper, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian Seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Shape the mixture into a loaf. If you have a trivet with handles that fit in your Instant Pot, place the meatloaf on the trivet.
3. Pour 1 cup of beef broth or water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Carefully lower the trivet with the meatloaf into the pot.
4. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the time for 25 minutes on high pressure.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.
6. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the Instant Pot. If desired, spread low carb ketchup over the top and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the topping.
7. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings: 6

Nutrition: Serving: 1 slice | Calories: 253 | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 732mg | Potassium: 301mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 2.8mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 2.3mg

Keto Lasagna (12)

Who said following a low-carb diet means giving up Italian favorites? This Keto Lasagna dispels all those myths with every delicious forkful. It’s crafted as one of the simple low-carb ground beef recipes that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Replacing traditional noodles with keto-friendly alternatives, you’ll find this dish to be just as satisfying as its carb-heavy counterpart, proving that low-carb ground beef recipes for weight loss can also be decadent and delicious.

Ingredients

For the keto lasagna noodles:

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 3 large eggs

For the lasagna:

• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• ¾ cup marinara sauce (you can also use keto spaghetti sauce, keto pizza sauce or Pomodoro sauce)
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Begin with the keto lasagna noodles. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and eggs. Spread this mixture evenly onto a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Once cooled, cut into noodle-sized strips.
3. For the lasagna assembly, start by browning the ground beef over medium heat in a large skillet. Once fully cooked, remove any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
6. To assemble the lasagna, start with a layer of the keto noodles at the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the beef and marinara mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the ricotta and mozzarella mixture. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
8. Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings: 8

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 259 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 457mg | Potassium: 173mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin A: 778IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 308mg | Iron: 1mg

Read more: 3 Healthy Curry Recipes To Turn To When You Need Comfort Food

Low Carb Chili (6)

Chili is the ultimate comfort food, and this Low Carb Chili recipe makes no compromises. Packed with flavors and devoid of beans, it fits perfectly into low-carb ground beef and vegetable recipes, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that warms you up from inside out. 

Whether you’re looking for something to spice up your meal plan or need a crowd-pleaser for game day, this chili is a winner for anyone adhering to a ketogenic lifestyle.

Ingredients

• Olive oil for frying
• ½ large Onion (chopped)
• 8 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 ½ lb Ground beef
• 2 15-oz can Diced tomatoes (with liquid)
• 1 6-oz can Tomato paste
• 1 4-oz can Green chiles (with liquid)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup Chili powder
• 2 tbsp Cumin
• 1 tbsp Dried oregano
• 2 tsp Sea salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 medium Bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with liquid), tomato paste, green chiles (with liquid), Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf (if using). Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Once the mixture comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to low. Cover and allow the chili to cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chili appears too thick, add a small amount of water or beef broth to adjust the consistency.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of low carb toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Servings: 10

Nutrition: Serving: 1 cup | Calories: 306 Total Carbs: 13g | Net Carbs: 10g | Protein: 23g | Fat1: 8g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g

Low Carb Stuffed Peppers (9)

Transform bell peppers into a vibrant and nutritious meal with these Low Carb Stuffed Peppers. Amongst low-carb ground beef recipes no cheese, this dish shines for its versatility and burst of flavors, packing in both proteins and veggies without the added carbs. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers on the promise of a filling, wholesome meal, making it one of the excellent options for those looking for low-carb ground beef casseroles that aren’t actually casseroles.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or ground pork
• 1 ¼ teaspoon salt divided
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 ounces frozen spinach thawed and drained
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 large bell peppers
• 2 tablespoon tomato paste
• ⅓ cup water
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or pork until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and return the meat to the skillet.
3. Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the ground meat. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Stir in the thawed and drained spinach, ricotta cheese, and grated parmesan cheese into the meat mixture. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
5. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Sprinkle the inside of each pepper with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt.
6. Stuff the bell peppers with the ground beef mixture, packing lightly until each pepper is filled.
7. In a small bowl, mix together tomato paste, water, and garlic powder to create a quick sauce. Pour this mixture over the stuffed peppers.
8. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
9. Remove the foil, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper. Return to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Serve the low carb stuffed peppers hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings: 8

Nutrition: Serving: 1 pepper half | Calories: 311 | Carbohydrates 7.3g | Protein 22.7g | Fat 18.7g | Fiber 1.8g

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Keto Korean Beef (8)

Bring a taste of Korea to your keto kitchen with this Keto Korean Beef recipe. Quick to make and loaded with flavor, it’s a fantastic way to venture into low-carb ground beef recipes when you’re short on time but craving something utterly delicious. Whether you’re new to the keto diet or looking for inventive ways to keep your meals exciting, this dish is an easy win for anyone in pursuit of high protein low-carb ground beef recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
• 1 pound 93% Lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Ground ginger
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• ¼ teaspoon chile flakes (omit if you prefer)
• 2 tablespoon Tamari Soy Sauce reduced sodium
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon Low carb brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon White vinegar
• Juice of half a lime

Instructions

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium.
4. Stir in the ground ginger, pressed garlic, and chile flakes to the beef. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
5. Add the tamari soy sauce, Sriracha, low carb brown sugar, white vinegar, and lime juice to the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine.
6. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for another 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the beef.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the Keto Korean Beef hot on top of cauliflower rice, garnished with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: Calories: 462 kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.48g | Protein: 48.83g | Fat: 25.25g | Saturated Fat: 7.33g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 864mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 2.18g

Keto Hamburger Soup (3)

For a hug in a bowl, this Keto Hamburger Soup is comfort food made healthy. It’s a simple, hearty dish that aligns perfectly with low-carb ground beef recipes for weight loss, delivering on both taste and nutrition. Perfect for those chilly nights or when you’re just in need of a cozy meal, this soup is one of those lazy keto meals with ground beef that you can whip up without fuss, ensuring you stay on track with your low-carb goals while enjoying every spoonful.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups water
• 1 can (14-½ ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• ½ cup chopped celery
• 4 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
• 1-½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup cut fresh or frozen green beans

Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, making sure to break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the pot.
2. Add the water, diced tomatoes (with their juice), carrots, potatoes, onion, and celery to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Sprinkle in the beef bouillon granules, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Stir again to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the soup.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and allow the soup to cook for about 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the green beans and continue to simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes, making sure the green beans are cooked through.
6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt or pepper. Serve hot, ideally with a side of low-carb bread or rolls for a complete meal.

Servings: 8

Nutrition: Serving: 1 cup | Calories: 167 | Carbohydrate: 15g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 7g (saturated fat: 3g) | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 972mg | (Sugars: 5g | Fiber: 3g

If you are a fan of soup, but are on a low-carb diet, take a look at our previous blog – Keto Beef stew.

Is Hamburger Good for a Low Carb Diet?

Hamburger, or ground beef, can be a good choice for those following a low carb diet. It is an excellent source of protein, which helps to build and maintain muscle mass while keeping you feeling full for longer periods (4) (11). Ground beef also contains essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

However, not all hamburger is suitable for a low carb diet. Some may contain high amounts of added sugars, such as in the form of breadcrumbs or sugary sauces, which can quickly add up and exceed your daily carb limit.

To be sure that your hamburger is keto-friendly, opt for lean ground beef (ideally 80/20 or 90/10) and check the nutrition label for any added sugars. You can also try making your own low carb hamburger buns or lettuce wraps as a healthier alternative to traditional buns.

Read more: 6 Keto Sushi Recipes to Eat on a Low-Carb Diet

FAQs

• Is Hamburger Meat High In Carbs?

Hamburger meat, or ground beef, is generally not high in carbs. However, the amount of carbs in hamburger meat can vary depending on the type and quality of the meat, as well as any added ingredients like breadcrumbs or sauces. 

To be sure that your hamburger is low carb, opt for lean ground beef and check the nutrition label for any added sugars.

• What Meat Can I Eat On Low Carb Diet?

There are many types of meat that you can eat on a low carb diet, including:

• Beef (steak, ground beef, beef jerky)
• Poultry (chicken, turkey)
• Pork
• Lamb
• Fish and seafood
• Eggs

Make sure to choose lean cuts of meat and avoid processed meats with added sugars.

Check out our blog – Is Chicken Better than Beef to find out the pros and cons of consuming either of these types of meat.

• Is Hamburger High In Carbohydrates?

Hamburger meat, or ground beef, is not typically high in carbohydrates. However, the amount of carbs in hamburger can vary, depending on the type and quality of the meat and any added ingredients like breadcrumbs or sauces. 

To be sure that your hamburger is low carb, opt for lean ground beef and check the nutrition label for any added sugars.

• Can I Eat a Hamburger While Trying To Lose Weight?

Yes, you can eat a hamburger while trying to lose weight, as long as it fits into your overall calorie and macronutrient goals. 

Opt for lean ground beef and choose healthier toppings like vegetables or avocado instead of high-calorie sauces. Additionally, consider having your burger without the bun or opting for a low-carb alternative like a lettuce wrap.

The Bottom Line

The right low carb ground beef recipes can take your meals to the next level. They provide a good dose of protein ; an essential macronutrient for weight loss and overall health. With the right ingredients, you can enjoy your favorite comfort foods, while staying on track with your low carb diet goals. Just remember to choose lean meats, check nutrition labels for added sugars, and get creative with alternatives to traditional high-carb ingredients like buns or sauces.