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Keto Ground Beef and Tomato Skillet (Simple & Budget Friendly) - Weeknight Comfort Made Easy

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best for flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (if your beef is very lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced (optional but great for texture)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, no sugar added
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (no sugar added)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), optional for topping
  • To serve: Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or sautéed greens

Method
 

  1. Warm the pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add oil if using lean beef.
  2. Brown the beef: Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains and edges get slightly crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Push beef to one side. Add onion and bell pepper to the empty space. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add spices: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the beef and veggies so the spices bloom in the fat.
  5. Build the sauce: Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes and beef broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low. Let it bubble gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  7. Finish: Stir in butter for a glossy finish. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Serve: Spoon over cauliflower rice, toss with zucchini noodles, or plate with a side of greens. Top with shredded cheese and fresh herbs if you’d like.