15 Easy Beef Recipes for Your Low-Carb Menu

From burgers and steak to meatloaf and lasagna, beef is the star of the show in many family favorites. We love this satisfying staple any time of the year. In the summer months, you’ll find this hearty protein on the grill in various forms. When wintertime hits, beef is still front and center on the menu in soups, stews, casseroles and more. No matter how (and when) you prepare your red meat, we’ve got 15 easy beef recipes that are sure to make this protein shine.

When shopping for your beef, there are a few things that you should keep in mind: Look for lean cuts without much fat or marbling. Steer clear of ground chuck—try to find beef that’s 90% lean and 10% fat and drain off any excess grease, if possible. Organic, grass-fed beef is always better if it’s within your budget. On the South Beach Diet, one serving of beef is three ounces or roughly the size of a deck of cards.

Here are 15 easy beef recipes for your low-carb menu:

1. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry >

We used flat iron steak in this recipe—a terrific cut of beef that’s inexpensive but nearly as tender as filet mignon. Because flat iron steaks are thin, the best way to prepare them is with a quick grill or sear, as you’ll do here. Plus, in the first step, you’ll break up the fibers that can make meat taste tough by cutting against the grain. Our coconut, garlic and ginger marinade also tenderizes as it flavors.

2. Beef Stroganoff >

Any lean cut of steak will do in this classic dish. Yes, you can have heavy cream and sour cream—dairy is considered a Healthy Fat on the South Beach Diet. It’s filling and provides the satiety other diets lack and virtually every dieter misses. You’re welcome. Read more about Healthy Fats here! >

3. Beef with Mushrooms and Asparagus >

Can’t find “London Broil” at the supermarket? Sometimes it’s labeled flank steak or top round. Here’s the important thing to remember with this cut: You need to tenderize it before cooking, which is why the recipe instructs you to score your meat and cook for three to four minutes per side. London Broil is best served rare to medium rare.

4. Cauliflower “Rice” and Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers >

This hearty, flavorful and sure-to-impress recipe is written for a single serving. However, you can double or triple it for a family meal or dinner with friends. If you’ve never riced cauliflower, we talk you through it in Step Two. Essentially, you just blend or pulse cauliflower it in a food processor. Easy!

5. Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf >

This may not be the meatloaf your mama or grandmother prepared but you will not be disappointed. We added some surprising ingredients: A blend of beef and pork, red peppers, arugula and shredded mozzarella. One loaf serves eight people. If you’re cooking for yourself, slice it up after cooking and individually freeze each slice. The whole loaf will keep for about three to four days in the fridge.

6. Southern Style Burger Bites >

Pimento cheese is a Southern staple and the perfect complement to a juicy burger. We’ll show you how to make it in this party-perfect recipe. Don’t forget the sweet and spicy bread and butter pickles—they add zesty flavor. Carb-free, crisp, iceberg lettuce holds these burger bites together.

7. Warm Beef Salad >

Store-bought salad dressing can contain many chemical additives and unhealthy added sugars. We like the sound of lemon juice, zest, Dijon mustard and olive oil better. The simple homemade dressing in this terrific salad is exactly that—simple. Whip up a big batch and keep it handy for virtually any salad on your meal prep menu!

8. Zucchini Lasagna >

We may have swapped the noodles with low-carb zucchini but this lasagna isn’t missing its heft or flavor, thanks to ground beef and cheese trifecta of Mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan. It would make your mother-in-law proud. #worthatry

9. Mustard Crusted Steak >

A simple steak is a must-have on your list of go-to beef recipes! Both yellow and Dijon mustard are Free Foods on the South Beach Diet. They deliver a ton of flavor but add negligible amounts of fat or calories, so you can make sauces, rubs and dressings to flavor meats, veggies and more. We love the combination of mustard with garlic and Worcestershire. Use any lean cut of beef in this recipe and feel free to throw it on the grill.

10. Steak and Egg Breakfast Bowl with Kimchi and Avocado Butter Sauce >

Saturday called: It wants you back in the kitchen for breakfast and here’s this weekend’s recipe. Straight out of a gourmet chef’s brain, this bowl fuels your body with two Healthy Fats, one Protein and one Veggie serving—all before noon.

11. Low-Carb Meatloaf >

When bacon, pork, beef, Parmesan, cheddar and a host of seasonings come together in one dish, it’s a very, very good thing. Just beware the serving size of this can’t-believe-it’s-a-diet-approved dish. One meatloaf makes 8 servings. Have a garden salad, broccolini or cauliflower rice on the side for extra filling fiber.

12. Stuffed Bell Pepper Tacos >

Taco Tuesday can still be a weekly celebration in your house. These stuffed peppers are taco shells—they’re just prettier and healthier. Plus, with beef, Pico de Gallo, avocado, cheddar cheese and sour cream, they don’t lack flavor. Your family will approve and you’ll stay on track. Win!

13. Steak au Poivre >

“Au Poivre” means peppered in French and we could have stopped with pepper. Steak and pepper make a terrific combination. However, we were empowered by the French influence and created a complete meal in one recipe. The colorful peppers and rich sauce stand up nicely next to the buttery, robust steak.

14. South Beach Diet Classic Burger >

What kind of beef recipes list doesn’t include a burger? None that we trust! Our classic burger recipe is written for those just beginning their weight loss journey or those well acquainted with low-carb dieting. Make your own adjustments depending on where you are. If you have any net carbs to spare for the day, feel free to serve it on a whole grain roll. Add bacon or sliced avocado. Maybe even a little sugar-free ketchup. Remember: All things in moderation, including moderation.

15. Philly Cheesesteak Boats >

Whiz wit or witout? If you go to Pat’s in South Philadelphia for a cheesesteak, you’ll need to be ready with an answer. However, if you’re making our Philly Cheesesteak Boats, you needn’t worry about perfecting lingo or consuming unhealthy ingredients. The hardest part about this recipe is remembering that it serves six.