Ground beef is the backbone of countless paleo meals, simple, versatile, and nutrient-dense.
It’s rich in protein, iron, and healthy fats, making it the perfect base for quick, satisfying dishes that fit the paleo lifestyle.
Craving something hearty like chili, light like lettuce wraps, or bold like curry bowls, ground beef adapts to every flavor and occasion.
The best part? It’s easy to batch-cook, freezes beautifully, and makes meal prep effortless.
This guide brings you 15 paleo-friendly ground beef recipes that are fast, flavorful, and perfectly balanced to fuel your week while keeping your meals clean and wholesome.
Why Ground Beef Is a Paleo Powerhouse
Beef has long been a cornerstone of paleo eating because it’s rich in high-quality protein, iron, and essential fats that support muscle growth and energy.
For busy home cooks, ground beef is the ultimate time-saver; it cooks fast, pairs well with almost any vegetable, and keeps beautifully for meal prep.
In a paleo diet, where grains and legumes are off the menu, beef provides the dense nutrition and satiety your body needs.
From skillet meals to casseroles, it’s the ingredient that delivers comfort, flavor, and balance while staying true to clean, whole-food eating principles.
Pantry and Prep for a Week of Paleo Ground Beef
Efficient paleo meal prep begins with a few core habits. Start by browning 2–3 pounds of ground beef with basic seasonings like salt and garlic powder.
Once cooled, divide into single servings and refrigerate for up to four days or freeze for three months.
Keep sides such as cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted vegetables prepped for quick combinations.
Add flavor with pre-made sauces like coconut aminos with ginger or spiced tomato sauce. When ready to eat, reheat everything together in a skillet for five minutes.
Quick, Meal-Prep-Ready Paleo Ground Beef Recipes
Preparing meals ahead of time can significantly reduce cooking stress and help ensure your week stays on track with clean eating.
Below are some ground beef-based recipes that are both paleo-compliant and perfectly suited for batch cooking.
1. Chipotle Beef–Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes loaded with a smoky chipotle-ground beef mixture—bold flavor in a nutritious vessel.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Sweet potatoes, medium | 4 |
| Onion, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Chipotle in adobo (check clean ingredient brand. | 1–2 tsp |
| Tomato paste (no sugar added. | 2 tbsp |
| Avocado oil, cumin, salt | As needed |
Steps
- Roast sweet potatoes at 200°C for 40–50 min until tender.
- Sauté onion in oil; add beef, cumin, salt, chipotle, and tomato paste.
- Split potatoes; stuff with beef mixture.
- Meal-prep: cool, box with lime wedges and cilantro.
Nutrition (per serving, 1 potato + beef)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~470 | ~26 g | ~49 g | ~18 g |
2. Italian Beef & Zoodle Skillet
Zucchini noodles tossed with savory Italian-spiced ground beef and tomato sauce, low-carb and hearty.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Zucchini, spiralized | 4 cups |
| Crushed tomatoes (no sugar. | 1 cup |
| Garlic, basil, oregano | To taste |
| Olive oil, salt, pepper | As needed |
Steps
- Brown beef with garlic, herbs, and salt.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes; simmer 5–7 min.
- Sauté zoodles 2–3 min in olive oil.
- Combine and finish with fresh basil.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 portions)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~320 | ~25 g | ~12 g | ~18 g |
3. Korean-Inspired Beef Lettuce Cups
Flavorful Korean-style beef served in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, fast paleo meal.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Coconut aminos | 3 tbsp |
| Grated ginger & garlic | 1 tsp each |
| Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Lettuce leaves (butter/romaine. | 12 |
| Sesame oil, green onions | To taste |
Steps
- Brown beef; add garlic, ginger, coconut aminos, vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil.
- Reduce until glossy.
- Spoon into lettuce leaves; top with sliced green onion.
- Pack meat and leaves separately for meal prep.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 portions)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~290 | ~23 g | ~7 g | ~18 g |
4. Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry (Paleo Sauce)
Classic stir-fry with ground beef and broccoli in a coconut-aminos-based paleo sauce.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Broccoli florets | 4 cups |
| Coconut aminos | 1/4 cup |
| Arrowroot + water | 1 tsp + 2 tsp |
| Garlic, chili flakes | To taste |
| Avocado oil | 1 tbsp |
Steps
- Steam or sauté broccoli to crisp-tender; set aside.
- Brown beef with garlic and chili.
- Stir in coconut aminos; thicken with arrowroot slurry.
- Fold in broccoli; portion over cauliflower rice.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 portions, no cauli rice)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~330 | ~24 g | ~11 g | ~20 g |
5. Sloppy Joe Bowls over Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
Paleo take on sloppy joes served atop roasted sweet potatoes for a satisfying one-bowl meal.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Tomato sauce (no sugar. | 1 cup |
| Onion & bell pepper, diced | 1 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Sweet potatoes, cubed | 4 cups |
Steps
- Roast potato cubes with oil and salt at 220°C, 25 min.
- Sauté onion/pepper; add beef.
- Stir in tomato sauce, vinegar; simmer to thicken.
- Bowl potatoes, top with meat.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 bowls)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~500 | ~26 g | ~54 g | ~20 g |
6. Moroccan-Spiced Beef with Roasted Carrots
Ground beef simmered in Moroccan spices, paired with naturally sweet roasted carrots, is warm and aromatic.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Carrots, coins | 4 cups |
| Ras el hanout (or cumin, coriander, cinnamon. | 2 tsp |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
| Olive oil, parsley, salt | As needed |
Steps
- Roast carrots with oil and salt at 220°C, 20 min.
- Brown beef with spices; add tomato paste, splash water.
- Toss beef with carrots; finish with parsley.
- Pack with lemon wedges.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 portions)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~360 | ~23 g | ~20 g | ~22 g |
7. Cauliflower “Fried Rice” with Beef
Riced cauliflower stir-fried with seasoned ground beef and eggs: paleo comfort food with minimal carbs.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Riced cauliflower | 4 cups |
| Coconut aminos | 3 tbsp |
| Frozen peas omitted; use diced carrots + scallions | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
Steps
- Scramble eggs; set aside.
- Brown beef; add carrots, riced cauliflower.
- Splash coconut aminos; stir-fry until tender.
- Fold in eggs and scallions.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 bowls)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~340 | ~24 g | ~14 g | ~20 g |
8. Greek-Herb Beef with Cucumber-Tomato Salad
Mediterranean-inspired beef seasoned with garlic and oregano, served alongside a crisp cucumber-tomato salad.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Garlic, oregano, lemon zest | To taste |
| Cucumber & tomato, chopped | 2 cups |
| Red onion, thin | 1/4 cup |
| Olive oil + lemon juice | 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp |
Steps
- Season beef with garlic, oregano, and lemon; cook.
- Toss veggies with oil, lemon, and salt.
- Serve beef over salad; add olives if desired.
- Pack dressing separately.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 portions)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~300 | ~24 g | ~9 g | ~19 g |
9. Mini Shepherd’s Pies with Cauliflower Mash
Individual “pies” where cauliflower mash is topped by seasoned ground beef, fully paleo and portion-controlled.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Diced carrots & celery | 1 cup |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
| Cauliflower florets | 1 head |
| Ghee, salt, pepper | As needed |
Steps
- Simmer beef with carrots, celery, and tomato paste.
- Steam cauliflower; mash with ghee, salt.
- Portion mash into ramekins; top with beef.
- Bake 10 min at 200°C to set.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 minis)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~370 | ~25 g | ~17 g | ~22 g |
10. Chili-Without-Beans Meal Prep
Hearty ground beef chili seasoned traditionally, but bean-free and ideal for batch prepping ahead.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1.5 lb |
| Crushed tomatoes | 2 cups |
| Onion, bell pepper | 1 cup |
| Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika | 2–3 tsp total |
| Beef broth | 1/2 cup |
Steps
- Sauté veg; brown beef with spices.
- Add tomatoes and broth; simmer 20 min.
- Adjust salt and heat.
- Portion with roasted spaghetti squash or cauli rice.
Nutrition (per 1 of 5 portions)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~360 | ~27 g | ~12 g | ~22 g |
11. Thai Basil Beef with Asparagus
Fragrant Thai basil beef stir-fried with asparagus, bold and bright for your paleo lineup.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Asparagus, 1-inch pieces | 3 cups |
| Coconut aminos | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic, bird’s eye chili, or red chili flakes | To taste |
| Fresh basil | 1 cup |
Steps
- Stir-fry asparagus to tender-crisp; set aside.
- Brown beef with garlic and chili.
- Add coconut aminos; toss in asparagus.
- Off heat, fold in basil until wilted.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 portions.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~320 | ~24 g | ~10 g | ~20 g |
12. Taco Meal-Prep Bowls with Cauli-Cilantro “Rice”
Seasoned ground beef, cauliflower “rice,” and fresh pico de gallo make a vibrant, paleo taco bowl.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef + taco spices (no sugar. | 1 lb |
| Cauliflower rice | 4 cups |
| Pico de gallo | 1 cup |
| Avocado | 1 large |
| Lime, cilantro | To taste |
Steps
- Brown spiced beef.
- Sauté cauli rice; stir in lime and cilantro.
- Portion bowls: rice, beef, pico; add avocado day of.
- Serve with lime wedges.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 bowls, no avocado.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~310 | ~24 g | ~11 g | ~18 g |
13. Garlicky Beef & Cabbage Skillet
Simple and satisfying, ground beef sautéed with garlic and shredded cabbage, quick, healthy, and done.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Green cabbage, shredded | 5 cups |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Coconut aminos | 2 tbsp |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tsp |
Steps
- Brown beef with garlic.
- Add cabbage; cook until just tender.
- Stir in coconut aminos; sprinkle sesame.
- Great in meal-prep boxes; reheats well.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 portions)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~290 | ~23 g | ~12 g | ~18 g |
14. Breakfast Beef Hash with Eggs
Ground beef mixed with sweet potatoes and bell peppers, topped with eggs for a paleo breakfast-for-dinner.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Sweet potato, diced | 2 cups |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Avocado oil, paprika, salt | As needed |
Steps
- Roast or pan-crisp sweet potato cubes.
- Sauté pepper; add beef and spices.
- Make 4 wells; crack eggs; cover until set.
- Portion: reheat and add fresh herbs.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 portions.
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~450 | ~28 g | ~29 g | ~24 g |
15. Meatballs in Rustic Tomato Sauce
Almond-flour meatballs made with ground beef, simmered in a paleo-friendly tomato sauce for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Almond flour | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Garlic, Italian herbs, salt | To taste |
| Crushed tomatoes | 2 cups |
Steps
- Mix beef, almond flour, egg, garlic, and herbs; form meatballs.
- Sear in skillet; add crushed tomatoes.
- Simmer 15 min until cooked through.
- Serve with roasted zucchini or spaghetti-squash strands.
Nutrition (per 1 of 4 portions, sauce only)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~380 | ~27 g | ~11 g | ~24 g |
Note: All Nutrition values are estimates based on typical USDA entries and standard paleo pantry items. Adjust for your brands and portion sizes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keeping your paleo meal-prep recipes fresh and flavorful throughout the week is simple with a few smart storage practices.
- Cool Before Storing: Let cooked dishes cool completely before sealing. Trapped steam can cause sogginess and shorten freshness.
- Use Airtight Containers: Divide portions into BPA-free, airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
- Freeze Smartly: Most beef-based meals freeze well. Avoid freezing raw vegetables; add fresh ones when reheating.
- Reheat Gently: Warm on the stovetop or microwave at medium power with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
- Label and Date: Note prep dates to ensure optimal taste within 3–4 days refrigerated or 2–3 months frozen.
Pro Tip: Keep sauces or dressings separate until serving to preserve texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Paleo ground beef meal-prepping recipes are an easy way to stay consistent with clean eating while saving time and money.
With just a few hours of prep, you can enjoy hearty, nutrient-rich meals all week, packed with flavor, protein, and balance.
From zoodle skillets to Moroccan spice bowls, these recipes offer endless variety without sacrificing convenience.
Proper storage and gentle reheating keep every bite as satisfying as day one. Whether you’re new to meal prep or refining your routine, these dishes prove that paleo eating can be both practical and delicious.
