Grass-fed, pasture-raised, locally sourced beef is the staple protein of the modern day caveman. When you choose to eat “happy cows,” you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Grass-fed meat is higher in omega-3’s and as a result, lower in omega-6’s. You’ll also be getting in CLA’s, beta-carotene, and vitamin E, all of which you don’t quite receive when you choose conventional beef.
Paleo ground beef recipes offer up a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that are often both simple and affordable. With more hype surrounding better quality meat, most big box supermarkets carry grass-fed ground beef now, and it’s hardly breaking the bank.
We’re not just talking meatloaf and meatballs although those are perfectly fine contenders for your stash of beef in the deep freeze. Let’s think outside of the box a little; shepherd’s pie, sloppy joes, and meatza all come to mind. These paleo ground beef recipes are tried and tested, and most of ’em are healthy adaptations of classic dishes. It just goes to show that you don’t always have to sacrifice taste, convenience, or your favorite childhood meals because of your dietary restrictions. Eat up, friends!
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie from Cook Like a Cavewoman
What’s a list of paleo ground beef recipes without shepherd’s pie? This is one of those classic dishes you might remember from your childhood that is so easily converted into something hearty and healthy. You can pack this pie full with beef and veggies and top it with sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes. In the traditional recipe, the whip on top is made thick with dairy, but this recipe forgoes it – the sweets will be creamy enough on their own with a little bit of butter or ghee.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (approx. 1 ½ lb), peeled and chopped into large chunks
- 2 tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee
- 1 tsp freshly chopped rosemary
- Sea salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (+ ½ tsp for greasing)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped/sliced
- 8 baby carrots, sliced (about 1 medium carrot)
- 1 cup small cauliflower florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ¼ cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tsp freshly chopped rosemary
- 2 shakes of ground cinnamon
- Sea salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Ground paprika (for garnish only)
Read the full recipe from Cook Like a Cavewoman here
Paleo Sweet Potato Sloppy Joe’s from Paleo Newbie
If you’re on the hunt for paleo ground beef recipes, you’ll likely run into quite a few takes on the Sloppy Joe. Yet again, sweet potato saves the day and serves as what would typically be the “bun.” You can forget complicated paleo-fied bread recipes when you get creative with root veggies instead. The sauce is made smoky and sweet with just a touch of honey and chili powder – an unexpected match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
- 4 pre-baked sweet potatoes or yams
- 1 1/2 lbs of grass-fed ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 onion, chopped small
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped small
- 1/2 red pepper, chopped small
- 1/4 cup of celery, chopped small
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 tbs of chili powder
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 2 tbs of coconut sugar or honey
- (1) 14 oz can of diced tomatoes, with liquids
- (1) 6 oz can of tomato paste
Read the full recipe at Paleo Newbie here
Easy Salisbury Steak from Laughing Spatula
Ah, I remember salisbury steaks as a kid. Specifically, I recall eating this dinner straight from the freezer. Back then, this was the only steak I would eat, and only if there was mac and cheese on the side. There were undoubtedly a ton of hidden, unhealthy ingredients in Stouffer’s overprocessed take on this surprisingly simple dish. This is one of the most budget-friendly paleo ground beef recipes out there which comes together with kitchen staples including eggs and tomato paste.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- Salt and pepper
- 1 thinly sliced yellow onion
- 1½ cups sliced crimini mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (about ⅔ of a 3 oz can)
- 1 cup beef broth
Read the full recipe from Laughing Spatula here
Hamburger Soup from The Pioneer Woman
If you’re dreaming up paleo ground beef recipes, burgers probably come to mind. There are plenty of ways to build your own burger, but that’s a whole ‘nother recipe roundup! Instead, we’re making it a one-pot affair with this hamburger soup. You can whip up a big batch of this and save some for the freezer. You can substitute red potatoes for yams, butternut squash, or another root like parsnips if you don’t include them in your diet.
Ingredients:
- 2-1/2 pounds Ground Chuck
- 1 whole Large Onion, Diced
- 2 stalks Celery, Diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 can (14.5 Ounce) Can Whole Tomatoes
- 3 cups Beef Stock Or Beef Broth
- 1 whole Yellow Bell Pepper
- 1 whole Red Bell Pepper
- 1 whole Green Bell Pepper
- 4 whole Carrots
- 5 whole Red Potatoes, Cut Into Chunks
- 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Dried Parsley Flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Read the full recipe from The Pioneer Woman here
Beef and Butternut Squash Breakfast Skillet from The Healthy Foodie
The best paleo ground beef recipes include butternut squash and the option to eat it for breakfast. Of course, you could have just about anything for breakfast, and this is especially true if you crack an egg on top. Masala-seasoned squash and meat mashed with greens is the perfect balanced plate to begin your day – a little starch, a little veg, and lots of protein. Top with eggs and avocado for a little more brainfood and you’re set. Sunday brunch just got better.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tbsp lard
- 450g grassfed ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Himalayan or fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground white pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ large butternut squash, cooked
- 450g spinach, chopped
- 3 pastured eggs
- ½ avocado, peeled and sliced
Read the full recipe from The Healthy Foodie here
Paleo Stuffed Eggplant from Everyday Maven
Paleo ground beef recipes follow a similar theme if you sift through them for long enough – there’s a whole lot of stuffing going on. This Mediterranean-inspired dish uses scooped out eggplants as the vessel for all the meaty awesomeness going on inside. Quality olive oil, homemade tomato sauce, and fresh parsley will lend this dish authentic flavor so don’t skimp on the good stuff. Almond meal will stand in for bread crumbs giving it a crispy topping.
Ingredients:
- 1½ Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 5 to 6 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 to 3 large Italian eggplants
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1½ cups homemade pasta sauce plus more for serving
- handful fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup blanched almond flour
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- pinch salt
Read the full recipe from Everyday Maven here
Thai Ground Beef Spaghetti Squash Casserole from My Heart Beets
Now we’re traveling with the paleo ground beef recipes. Here, we’ve got a unique take on Thai using spaghetti squash – not typically found at your favorite takeout joint! Think a noodle dish with beef curry, but no grains in sight. The spices truly hold down this dish’s distinct taste and texture with an otherwise simple list of food ingredients. Spaghetti squash casserole is the future, and you can start right here.
Ingredients:
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chili, minced
- 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch knob fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
- ½ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, adjust to taste
- 1 pound grassfed ground beef
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (8 ounce) package sliced mushrooms, chopped
- 2 eggs, whisked
- green onion, garnish
Read the full recipe from My Heart Beets here
Mexican Meatza from Mel Joulwan
Behold, your royal highness in the kingdom of paleo ground beef recipes. When you discover that you can use meat as the crust, you’ll forgo the fancy flours and failed attempts at cauliflower crust pizzas. Seriously, it couldn’t be easier to get your delivery fix than with this easy recipe. Bonus? EVERYONE will like it. If you’re looking for a crowd pleaser, go with meatza. Every. Single. Time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup of your favorite salsa
- Green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- Red onion, cut into thin strips
- Avocado, diced
- fresh lime, chopped fresh cilantro
Read the full recipe from Mel Joulwan here
Lazy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls from The Domestic Man
Looking to get your greens in with paleo ground beef recipes? This is your dish. If you like the taste of stuffed cabbage rolls but hate the process of blanching, rolling, and cooking ’em (I know I do!), here’s the solution: beef, cabbage, collard greens, and shredded carrots simmered in a delectable tomato mixture. This makes the perfect lazy weeknight dinner. Substitute riced cauliflower for white rice to make this just like cabbage rolls – unstuffed, of course.
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp butter, divided (use ghee to make this recipe Whole30)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp salt, more to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper, more to taste
- 1 (22oz) can or jar diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1 head green cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped
- 3 leaves collard greens, stems removed, coarsely chopped
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice (optional, see notes in recipe below)
Read the full recipe from The Domestic Man here
Stuffed Acorn Squash from Cook It Up Paleo
Winter squash lends itself quite well to paleo ground beef recipes because they’re the perfect substitute for an actual bowl. When you can opt for food instead of a plate, you know you’ve got a dinner staple worth standing by. You can pretty much make additions as you go, but this recipe is simple on its own with curried beef, mushrooms, and onion.
Ingredients:
- 1 acorn squash
- Bacon fat or lard for sauteeing
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- ½ pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or other green (arugula, kale, etc.)
Read the full recipe from Cook It Up Paleo here
Paleo Lasagna Rolls from Plaid and Paleo
The overarching theme of paleo ground beef recipes is classic dishes made healthy, easy, and affordable. It’s the one food we always have handy, tucked away in the freezer and ready to be worked into something magnificent. This version of lasagna is made decadent without dairy thanks to creamy cashews and the oh-so-versatile zucchini stands in for noodles.
Ingredients:
Cashew cheese:
Meat filling:
- 1 lb ground grassfed beef
- 3 cups pack baby spinach
- 1/2 cup Mezzetta Napa Valley Homemade Roasted Garlic & Caramelized Onions
- 1/4 tsp salt and pepper
Extras:
- 2 thick zucchini
- 1 1/2 cups Mezzetta Napa Valley Homemade Roasted Garlic & Caramelized Onions
Read the full recipe from Plaid and Paleo here
Spicy Beef and Cucumber Salad from Eat Drink Paleo
Warm and cozy is the gist of things as we move through these paleo ground beef recipes, but here’s a fresh dish that will carry over well into the warmer months as well. The cucumber salad is crisp and cool, garnished with lots of fresh lemon and mint. The cashew dressing and myriad of warm spices will make this dish truly stand out. Move on over, boring side salads – we’ve got a new boss in town.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 brown onion, finely diced
- 1/2 long red chili, finely diced, seeds in
- 350-400 g (0.8 lb.) grass-fed beef mince
- 3 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 3/4 tsp ground coriander seeds
- 3/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves (or use mortar & pestle to grind 1 clove)
- 3/4 tsp Celtic or sea salt
For the cucumber salad
- 2 cups diced cucumber (3-4 medium Lebanese cucumbers)
- 2 tbsp diced fresh coriander (cilantro)
- Pinch of pepper
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- Few whole raw cashews
For cashew dressing
- 3/4 cup raw cashews, soaked in warm water for 1 hour
- 1/2 clove of garlic, diced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3/4 tsp tahini paste
- 2 tbsp water
- Pinch of sea salt
Read the full recipe from Eat Drink Paleo here
