Healthy Ground Beef and Mushroom Recipe

If you are looking for a tasty meal option that keeps you in ketosis, this Healthy Ground Beef and Mushroom recipe is for you.

The blend of grass-fed ground beef, sliced mushrooms, and heavy whipping cream creates a satisfying meal that will keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for hectic weeknight nights or a delicious lunch.

Why you’ll love this keto-friendly recipe

This Healthy Ground Beef and Mushroom recipe is perfect for those following a Healthy Keto® diet, as it’s made with highly nutritious ingredients that won't interfere with fat burning. 

It’s an easy-to-make ground beef skillet with mushrooms, creating a keto twist on the classic beef stroganoff dish. 

The use of grass-fed beef in this dish offers a significantly healthier alternative to ground beef recipes using conventional meat. 

"Compared to grain-fed meat, grass-fed options contain less pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats while offering more beneficial nutrients, including omega-3 fats and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)," explains Dr. Berg. 

What’s more, this recipe only takes 30 minutes to make and is ideal for meal prep as it can easily be portioned into individual servings and frozen for up to three months. 

This dish is also very versatile and customizable. Add bell peppers for a bit of crunch, or replace spinach with kale to achieve a slightly different flavor profile.

About the ingredients 

The ingredients in this recipe are carefully selected for their nutritional benefits and compatibility with a keto lifestyle.

Let's take a closer look at the benefits of each ingredient. 

Grass-fed beef

Grass-fed beef originates from cattle raised on a natural diet of grass and other foraged foods. In contrast, conventionally raised cattle are fed an unnatural diet of genetically modified (GMO) grains, soy, and growth promoters. 

Research published in Nutrition Journal found that grass-fed beef has a superior nutritional profile. The authors summarize, “Grass-based diets elevate precursors for vitamins A and E, as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase.”

These compounds have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reducing body fat, a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and better metabolic health.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food that's a popular staple in many cuisines worldwide.

A study published in the Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal reveals that among the approximately 38,000 species of mushrooms, a vast majority are rich sources of protein, B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, and other essential minerals.

In addition, maitake, shiitake, and reishi mushrooms have remarkable healing properties. These medicinal mushrooms have shown the potential to lower cancer risk and improve immune functions.

They also help reduce inflammation, combat allergies, enhance blood sugar control, and support the body’s detoxification processes.

Spinach

Leafy green vegetables are an essential part of any nutritious diet, and spinach is no exception.

Spinach, whether raw or cooked, is packed with phytochemicals and bioactive compounds that offer numerous health benefits.

These compounds can reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful oxygen species and can influence gene expression related to metabolism, inflammation, and the body's antioxidant defenses.

Additionally, adding more spinach to your diet can help regulate appetite by affecting hormones involved in satiety and hunger control. 

Aromatic spices

This recipe utilizes various spices that elevate the flavor profile of this dish and offer numerous health benefits.

Cumin is known for its ability to aid digestion and improve blood sugar control, while oregano has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

What's more, paprika is an excellent source of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function.

Heavy whipping cream

While some may shy away from heavy cream due to its high-fat content, it’s actually an excellent source of beneficial conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

CLA intake has been linked to a healthy body weight, supports heart health, and may help lower the risk of various cancers.

The inclusion of heavy cream in this dish adds a velvety texture and elevates the fat content. This helps keep you satiated for a longer period, which can prevent snacking, a leading cause of weight gain.  

What to serve with this Healthy Ground Beef and Mushroom recipe

Traditional beef and mushroom dishes are typically served with egg noodles, whole wheat pasta, or rice.

However, these options are high in carbs and can kick you out of ketosis. Instead, pairing this dish with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash creates a keto-friendly meal that won’t hurt your diet plan. 

In addition to low-carb pasta alternatives, you can serve Ground Beef and Mushrooms with these tasty keto-friendly alternatives.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be used as a substitute for rice in many dishes.

Using coconut oil instead of traditional vegetable oil adds healthy fats to this Cauliflower Fried Rice, while garlic and onions provide flavor and immune-boosting properties.

Pairing Ground Beef and Mushrooms with Cauliflower Fried Rice creates a mouthwatering low-carb meal the whole family will enjoy.

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a low-carb vegetable packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness while perfectly complementing the rich flavors of pan-fried ground beef and mushrooms.

Simply toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven for a delectable side dish.

Keto Cheese & Broccoli Salad Recipe

This Keto Cheese and Broccoli Salad is an easy-to-prepare and nutritious side dish that goes incredibly well with Ground Beef and Mushrooms.

High in fiber and packed with nutrients from broccoli, cheese, and avocado, this salad is a refreshing and light addition to the meal.

Keto Parmesan Green Beans Recipe

Green beans are a delicious vegetable that pairs wonderfully with the hearty flavors of the Ground Beef and Mushroom.

This simple Keto Parmesan Green Beans recipe is easy to make and adds a pop of color and texture to your plate. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while staying in ketosis and fat burning.

Grilled Summer Vegetables

This Grilled Summer Vegetables recipe is ideal for the warmer months when grilling and barbecuing become favored cooking methods.

It's a nutritious dish that can be served as a side or even as a main course and a great accompaniment for this Ground Beef and Mushroom recipe.

You can easily switch up the vegetables based on your preferences, making it a great way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meal plan. 

Storing and reheating tips

This Ground Beef and Mushroom dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply add to a hot skillet on medium heat until warmed through. 

You can also add a splash of beef broth to the pan to keep the dish moist and prevent it from drying out.

If you'd like to freeze this dish for future meals, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. 

This frozen ground beef skillet with mushrooms can last for up to three months in the freezer.

To defrost, simply place it in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed above.

Final thoughts

Adding a Healthy Ground Beef and Mushroom Recipe to your weekly menu plan is a great way to incorporate nutrient-dense ingredients, including grass-fed beef, mushrooms, and spinach.

Try pairing this hearty dish with keto-friendly side dishes such as Cauliflower Fried Rice or Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a satiating and flavorful low-carb meal.

FAQ

1. How many carbs are in this Healthy Ground Beef and Mushroom recipe?

This Ground Beef and Mushroom recipe contains seven grams of carbs per serving. 

2. Is this Healthy Ground Beef and Mushroom recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat, barley, or rye. However, it’s best to double-check the nutrition label of each ingredient you plan to use for potential cross-contamination. 

3. What kind of beef is best to have on keto?

Grass-fed beef is generally considered to be the best option for a keto diet. Not only does it have a better nutrient profile and higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), but it also has a more favorable omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio compared to grain-fed beef.

4. Are mushrooms good to have on a keto diet?

Yes, mushrooms are a great addition to a keto diet. They're low in carbs, high in fiber, and contain essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Mushrooms also have a meaty texture and can be used in various dishes to add flavor and substance without adding carbs.

Sources

1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1475-2891-9-10 

2. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/20153064860