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Low Carb Ground Beef Recipes - Easy, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80–90% lean)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4–1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese or heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

Method
 

  1. Prep the vegetables. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Halve the cherry tomatoes. If using frozen cauliflower rice, break up any clumps.
  2. Brown the beef. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed and set the beef aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, onion, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add spices and tomato paste. Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  5. Build the skillet. Return the beef to the pan. Add zucchini and cauliflower rice. Stir to combine, then pour in beef broth. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and the cauliflower rice is heated through.
  6. Finish with tomatoes and cheese. Add cherry tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Fold in cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream if using. Sprinkle cheese over the top and let it melt, about 2 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust. Add more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot.