Keto Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe

Craving a burrito but don’t want the carbs from a traditional tortilla? A Keto Beef Burrito Skillet is the perfect solution! This recipe takes all the flavors you love in a burrito—seasoned beef, melted cheese, salsa, and avocado—but without the high-carb tortilla. The result is a savory, satisfying meal that’s packed with protein and healthy fats, while keeping carbs to a minimum.

This keto-friendly beef burrito skillet is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re following a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diet, this dish is guaranteed to please. The best part? It can be customized with your favorite toppings and ingredients, making it a versatile and tasty dinner for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Beef Burrito Skillet

If you’re looking for a satisfying and flavorful keto meal that won’t leave you feeling deprived, this Keto Beef Burrito Skillet is the answer. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

• Low Carb: Traditional burritos are packed with high-carb tortillas that can easily throw you off track on a keto or low-carb diet. This skillet version skips the carbs but still delivers all the delicious flavors you crave.
• Packed with Protein: Ground beef provides a healthy dose of protein, which is perfect for supporting muscle growth and maintaining a feeling of fullness.
• Versatile: The beauty of this skillet dish is that it’s highly customizable. You can add or omit ingredients based on your preferences, and you can even switch up the proteins for a different twist.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy nights. It’s one-pan cooking, so cleanup is a breeze.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is flavorful and hearty, making it perfect for feeding the whole family—even those who aren’t following a keto diet. Just serve with a side of cauliflower rice or a crisp salad for a low-carb meal everyone will enjoy.

Let’s walk through the process of making this delicious Keto Beef Burrito Skillet from start to finish. The steps are simple, and it takes less than 30 minutes to cook!

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink.
• Drain any excess grease if necessary, but leave a bit of fat in the pan to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

• Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
• Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir to combine the seasoning with the meat and vegetables.

Step 3: Add the Taco Seasoning and Tomato Paste

• Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables in the seasoning.
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to cook into the meat and develop its rich flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Cauliflower Rice

• In a separate pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and slightly golden. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Once cooked, set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Skillet

• After the beef mixture has finished cooking, remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the cooked cauliflower rice with the beef mixture, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the heat.
• Top the dish with diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Toppings and Variations for Your Keto Beef Burrito Skillet

One of the best things about this Keto Beef Burrito Skillet is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas for different toppings or variations to mix things up:

Add More Veggies:

If you want to boost the nutritional value of your skillet, consider adding more veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. These will add texture and flavor without adding many carbs.

Use Different Protein:

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for another type of protein. Ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef would work perfectly in this skillet.

Make it Spicy:

Add more heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapeños into the beef mixture or serving the skillet with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Make it Extra Cheesy:

If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to load up the skillet with extra cheese. Pepper Jack cheese adds a spicy kick, while mozzarella offers a mild and gooey texture.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Beef Burrito Skillet

• Don’t Skip the Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. Don’t skip this step!
• Use Fresh Cauliflower Rice: Fresh cauliflower rice holds up better and has a firmer texture compared to frozen cauliflower rice. If using frozen rice, make sure to thoroughly drain any excess moisture to avoid a soggy dish.
• Customize Your Heat Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños based on your preferred spice level. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Keto Beef Burrito Skillet ahead of time? Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Store the cooked beef and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and add cheese when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze this recipe? Yes! This skillet can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or reheat in a skillet.

Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or a keto-friendly veggie mix such as mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.

Conclusion

The Keto Beef Burrito Skillet is an easy, delicious, and low-carb twist on your favorite burrito flavors. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and all the savory goodness of a burrito (minus the carbs), this dish is perfect for keto or low-carb diets, and it’s a family-friendly option everyone will love.

Yield: 4

Keto Beef Burrito Skillet Recipe

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Craving a burrito but don’t want the carbs from a traditional tortilla? A Keto Beef Burrito Skillet is the perfect solution! This recipe takes all the flavors you love in a burrito—seasoned beef, melted cheese, salsa, and avocado—but without the high-carb tortilla. The result is a savory, satisfying meal that’s packed with protein and healthy fats, while keeping carbs to a minimum.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, salsa, jalapeños, or lime wedges

Instructions

1. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the veggies: To the beef, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the veggies soften and become fragrant.
3. Season: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
4. Add tomato paste and broth: Stir in the tomato paste and beef or chicken broth. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and the flavors combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Finish with cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Top with sliced black olives (if using), a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. You can also add other toppings like diced avocado, salsa, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
7. Enjoy: Serve hot, and enjoy your Keto Beef Burrito Skillet!

Notes

Toppings: You can customize the toppings based on your preferences. Guacamole or a simple avocado slices work great on this dish.

Vegetable substitutions: Feel free to swap or add low-carb veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the skillet for added flavor and nutrition.

Make it spicy: If you enjoy spice, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the beef.