Keto Italian Beef & Ricotta Skillet is a rich, cheesy low-carb dinner made with seasoned ground beef, Italian herbs, tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta. This 30-minute keto skillet is perfect for quick weeknight meals, meal prep, and comforting Italian-inspired low-carb eating. Simple, hearty, and flavorful.

About This Recipe

Keto Italian Beef & Ricotta Skillet is a warm, comforting, Italian-inspired low-carb dinner that delivers all the flavors of classic baked pasta — without the pasta or carbs. It’s built around seasoned ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato-herb sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, and finished with melted mozzarella for the perfect cheesy finish. The result is a one-pan dish that feels rich and satisfying while still being simple enough for a busy weeknight.

This skillet starts by browning ground beef with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning, creating a savory flavor base. Tomato sauce adds acidity and depth, while ricotta brings a creamy, luxurious texture that balances the robustness of the beef. As the mixture simmers, the flavors come together into a rich, hearty sauce. Once dolloped with ricotta and topped with mozzarella, the skillet transforms into a melted, cheesy, Italian-style comfort dish that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Because this recipe is fully keto-friendly, it avoids pasta entirely but still gives you the same cozy experience you’d expect from lasagna or baked ziti. It’s also a great meal prep option because it reheats extremely well and the flavors deepen overnight. You can easily customize it by adding spinach, mushrooms, sausage, or different cheeses, making it versatile enough to fit your weekly routine.

Whether you’re stocking your Keto Ground Beef Recipes board or simply craving an easy Italian-inspired dinner, this skillet fits the bill. It’s cheesy, flavorful, quick to make, and always satisfying — everything a keto comfort meal should be.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes
Cheesy, rich Italian flavors
One-pan weeknight dinner
Naturally keto and low-carb
Ricotta adds creamy texture
Great for meal prep
Customizable with veggies or sausage
Perfect for ground beef boards

Ingredients

For the Skillet

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-carb tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese Layer

3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.
Stir in tomato sauce and beef broth; simmer 5–7 minutes to thicken.
Add red pepper flakes if using.
Reduce heat to low and add spoonfuls of ricotta across the skillet.
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.
Cover and cook 3–4 minutes until cheese is melted.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 390
Fat: 27g
Protein: 30g
Net Carbs: 4g

FAQ

Q: Can I use Italian sausage instead of beef?
A: Yes — it adds even more flavor.
Q: Can I bake it instead of stovetop?
A: Yes. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes after adding cheese.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers work well.
Q: Is ricotta required?
A: It adds creaminess, but you can replace it with cream cheese or cottage cheese.
Q: Good for meal prep?
A: Excellent — flavors deepen and reheat very well.

Variations & Substitutions

Replace beef with Italian sausage
Add spinach for extra greens
Use provolone instead of mozzarella
Add mushrooms for more volume
Increase red pepper flakes for heat
Add fresh garlic or roasted garlic for depth

Serving Suggestions

Serve over sautéed zucchini noodles
Pair with roasted broccoli
Add a simple basil side salad
Enjoy as a stand-alone bowl

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