Looking for low-carb dinner options? Ground beef is a nutritious and affordable protein that will keep you feeling full. These recipes have 15 grams of carbs or fewer per serving and incorporate vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Try out Taco Lettuce Wraps or Old-Fashioned Meatloaf for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner.
Tomato Dolma with Roasted Eggplant (Köz Patlicanli Domates Dolmasi)
This delicious recipe features ripe tomatoes stuffed with a light ground beef filling, combined with eggplant and onions for a unique twist. Perfect as a starter or main dish, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Serve with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Mapo Tofu
Mapo tofu is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. The amount and type of tofu and meat can be adjusted to your preference, and even the spiciness of the sauce can be tuned to your desired level of heat. This dish is popular both in and outside of China.
Taco-Stuffed Zucchini
Looking for a low-carb alternative to tacos? Try these delicious taco-stuffed zucchini boats! Filled with seasoned meat, cheese, and avocado, these boats are a perfect way to sneak in more vegetables to your diet. Plus, they’re kid-friendly and easy to make. Give them a try tonight!
Mediterranean Meat Loaf
This flavorful meat loaf is both moist and tender. To keep the fat content low, use lean ground beef and refrigerated egg product. Recipe from Diabetic Living Magazine.
Taco Lettuce Wraps
Use any fresh green sturdy enough to wrap around 1/2 cup of filling for this low-carb, gluten-free taco lettuce wrap recipe. Try using kale, collard greens, or Swiss chard.
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- Lettuce leaves or other sturdy greens
- Toppings: avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream
- Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Add tomato sauce and water. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Spoon the turkey mixture onto lettuce leaves or other sturdy greens. Top with avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, and sour cream, as desired.
Sausage-Spiked Meatloaves
If you’re looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your meatloaf, consider using sausage. By adding sausage to your meatloaf mix, you can create a delicious Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, making a second meatloaf is easy and can provide a tasty day-after meal or be frozen for later use. See the Tip section for ideas on how to use your leftovers.
Classic Beef Burgers with Cauliflower Buns
These classic beef burgers with cauliflower buns are a delicious, grain-free alternative to traditional burgers. The savory cauliflower buns contain a hint of Cheddar cheese and are a perfect complement to the juicy burger patties. The patties are seasoned with a flavorful mixture of onions, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, giving them a burst of flavor with every bite. To top it all off, a tangy special sauce adds the perfect finishing touch to these burgers. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, make sure to check the ingredients of your ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
Szechuan Braised Meatballs
These spicy beef meatballs and Chinese cabbage are braised in beef broth, making for a hearty and flavorful meal. Serve over brown rice or noodles with steamed broccoli and carrots on the side for a complete and satisfying dish.
Meatloaf with Sour Cream-Mushroom Sauce
This hearty dish is a satisfying comfort-food dinner that is also diabetic-friendly. It features whole-grains and plenty of veggies for added nutrition. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, oats, onion, carrot, celery, parsley, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and dry mustard. Mix well. Add half of the ketchup mixture to the meat mixture. Mix well.
- Shape meat mixture into a loaf and place in a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- In a small saucepan, combine remaining ketchup mixture, sour cream, and mushrooms. Cook over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Serve meatloaf with sour cream-mushroom sauce on top. Enjoy!
Beef & Bulgur Burgers with Blue Cheese for Two
This healthy burger recipe includes whole-grain bulgur, which adds bulk and nutrition. Be sure to check the bulgur package directions, as cooking times may vary. Serve your burgers with roasted potato wedges and sliced tomatoes for a delicious and balanced meal.
Asian Beef Meatballs
Sautéed mushrooms, celery, and garlic are combined with ground beef to create these flavorful and healthy meatballs. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner, and can be served as a base for lettuce wraps or on top of steamed brown rice with baby bok choy. Enjoy a delicious and hearty meal while keeping your calories in check.
Korean Beef Lettuce Rolls
Enjoy a diabetic-friendly meal with these crisp and crunchy lettuce rolls.
Skillet Moussaka
This variation of the traditional Greek dish, moussaka, is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative. Instead of using beef or lamb, this recipe uses ground turkey and layers of sliced eggplant, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. It can be served over whole-wheat pasta or with potatoes for a filling and delicious meal.
Lean & Spicy Taco Meat
Combine lean ground beef and ultra-lean ground turkey breast for a less-greasy filling. Make your own full-flavored filling instead of using taco-seasoning packets.
Old-Fashioned Meatloaf
Looking for a hearty and easy dinner option? Try this Old-Fashioned Meatloaf recipe that sneaks in some extra nutrients with mushrooms, garlic, and oats. Pair it with sweet potatoes and your favorite green vegetables for a super-satisfying comfort food meal.
Summary
You can enjoy delicious and healthy low-carb meals with ground beef. Ground beef is versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes including meatballs, burgers, and casseroles. By using low-carb ingredients such as vegetables and spices, you can create satisfying meals without sacrificing flavor. Some popular low-carb ground beef recipes include stuffed bell peppers, lettuce-wrapped burgers, and zucchini noodle spaghetti. Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own low-carb ground beef recipes.