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Keto Ground Beef and Creamy Tomato Skillet (Low Carb Comfort) - A Cozy One-Pan Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Yellow onion, finely chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomato paste (no added sugar)
  • Crushed tomatoes or passata (low-sugar, optional but nice for extra sauciness)
  • Heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk if dairy-free)
  • Beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • Cream cheese (softened; optional for extra richness)
  • Smoked paprika
  • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
  • Low-carb add-ins like chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini (optional)
  • Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Warm the pan: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Brown the beef: Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Push the beef to one side. Add onion to the empty space and cook 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Bloom the spices: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the beef and onions.
  5. Build the sauce base: Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to caramelize it slightly. Add a splash of beef broth to loosen any browned bits from the pan.
  6. Add tomatoes (optional): If you like a saucier skillet, pour in a small amount of crushed tomatoes or passata. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
  7. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and, if using, a couple spoonfuls of cream cheese. Let it gently bubble until smooth and slightly thickened, 3–5 minutes.
  8. Add veggies (optional): Fold in chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced zucchini. Simmer until tender and the sauce clings to the beef.
  9. Taste and finish: Adjust salt, pepper, and heat as needed. Turn off heat and stir in a handful of chopped basil or parsley.
  10. Serve: Spoon over steamed or sautéed cauliflower rice, or pair with roasted broccoli. Top with grated Parmesan if you like.