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Keto Garlic Butter Beef & Zucchini Bowls - Simple, Satisfying, and Low-Carb

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef (1 lb, 80–90% lean)
  • Zucchini (3 medium, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons)
  • Salted butter (4 tablespoons)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil (1–2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic (4–5 cloves, minced)
  • Fresh parsley (a small handful, chopped)
  • Lemon (1, for juice and optional zest)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Parmesan (optional, finely grated, for serving)

Method
 

  1. Prep the zucchini: Cut into half-moons about 1/2 inch thick. Pat dry to remove excess moisture. This helps them brown instead of steam.
  2. Season the beef: In a bowl, combine ground beef with smoked paprika, onion powder, a generous pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix lightly—don’t overwork it.
  3. Sear the zucchini: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add zucchini in a single layer with a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just tender. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Brown the beef: In the same skillet, add the seasoned beef. Break it up and cook until well browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. If there’s a lot of grease, spoon off a bit, but leave some for flavor.
  5. Make the garlic butter: Lower heat to medium. Push beef to one side. Add butter to the empty side. Once melted, add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir 30–60 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
  6. Combine: Toss the beef through the garlic butter. Return zucchini to the pan and gently fold to coat. Squeeze in half a lemon and taste. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
  7. Finish with freshness: Stir in chopped parsley and a little lemon zest if you like. Keep it on the heat just long enough to warm everything through.
  8. Serve: Spoon into bowls. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra richness, or keep it dairy-light and skip it.