Keto Creamy Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet is a fast, flavorful low-carb dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender zucchini, and a rich cream sauce. This easy one-pan keto recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or comforting 30-minute dinners. Creamy, hearty, and fully keto-friendly.
About This Recipe
Keto Creamy Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet is a cozy, satisfying one-pan dinner designed for busy nights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and low-carb without spending a lot of time cooking. Ground beef cooks quickly and absorbs seasoning well, making it the perfect base for a skillet-style meal. When combined with sautéed zucchini and a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, broth, and cheese, the dish becomes rich, comforting, and balanced. The zucchini adds moisture and lightness, preventing the skillet from feeling overly heavy while still delivering a filling, complete meal.
This recipe is especially useful for home cooks who want to incorporate vegetables in a simple, seamless way. The zucchini cooks down to a tender texture that blends beautifully with the cream sauce, while still holding enough shape to add bite and contrast. The sauce thickens naturally as it simmers, giving the skillet a luxurious texture without relying on thickeners or starch. A touch of garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning enhances the overall flavor, making the dish taste like a classic, comforting weeknight recipe.
Another advantage is how versatile this skillet is. It reheats extremely well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. You can also customize it by adding spinach, mushrooms, or different cheeses, depending on what you have on hand. The ingredients are simple and affordable, and the entire dish comes together in about 25 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or just need a fast keto dinner, this ground beef zucchini skillet is reliable, delicious, and perfectly suited for low-carb lifestyles. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a weekly staple because of how easy, flavorful, and satisfying it is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 25 minutes
- One-pan dinner
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Naturally low-carb
- Creamy and comforting
- Great for meal prep
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for ground beef board recipes
Ingredients
For the Skillet
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.
- Add sliced zucchini and cook 4–5 minutes until tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; stir to combine.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan; stir until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Simmer 3–4 more minutes until creamy.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 31g
- Protein: 26g
- Net Carbs: 4g
FAQ
- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, but add extra seasoning for flavor. - Q: Will the zucchini get watery?
A: Slice it thick and avoid overcooking for best texture. - Q: Can I bake this with cheese on top?
A: Yes. Broil 2–3 minutes for a melted, bubbly topping. - Q: Can I make this spicier?
A: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. - Q: Is it good for meal prep?
A: Yes. It reheats very well for 3–4 days.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add mushrooms for extra volume
- Use chicken broth or beef broth
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar or gouda
- Add spinach at the end
- Make it spicy with chili flakes
- Add cream cheese for thicker sauce
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with cauliflower rice
- Pair with a simple green salad
- Add roasted broccoli on the side
- Enjoy as a full one-pan meal

Keto Creamy Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet
Ingredients
For the Skillet
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchini (sliced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.
- Add sliced zucchini and cook 4–5 minutes until tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; stir to combine.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan; stir until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Simmer 3–4 more minutes until creamy.
- Serve hot.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
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