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Delicious Ground Beef Recipes for a Low Carb Lifestyle

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Learn how to make delicious ground beef low carb. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean is ideal for flavor and juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green for color and crunch)
  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms (optional, for earthiness and moisture)
  • 1 cup zucchini, diced (adds bulk and freshness)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or rendered bacon fat (for richness)
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water (to keep it moist)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Substitution suggestions: If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or even water works fine. For a dairy twist, stir in a handful of shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack at the end. Want to keep it vegetarian? Swap the ground beef for crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils.

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil or bacon fat. Let it warm until it shimmers, just like Mama Lu’s old iron skillet would before the cornbread went in.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize around the edges, filling your kitchen with that familiar, comforting aroma.
  3. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms (if using), cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant and the mushrooms release their moisture.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink.
  5. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you like heat), salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and veggies with those warm spices.
  6. Pour in the beef broth or water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This keeps everything juicy and brings the flavors together, just like Mama Lu’s pot roast gravy did.
  7. Mix in the diced zucchini and cook for another 3-4 minutes until just tender but still vibrant—this adds a fresh balance to the rich beef.
  8. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and brightness.
  9. Serve immediately, or let it cool and store for later meals that will warm your soul just as much as your belly.