Paleo Ground Beef Recipes: 6 Budget Meals You’ll Love

Looking for delicious paleo ground beef recipes that won’t break the bank? You’ve come to the right place! These paleo ground beef recipes are perfect for anyone trying to eat healthy while sticking to a budget. Ground beef is a paleo dieter’s best friend – it’s affordable, versatile, and packed with the protein and nutrients your body needs.

The paleo diet focuses on foods our ancestors would have eaten: meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. But eating this way doesn’t have to be expensive! With these budget-friendly paleo ground beef recipes, you can enjoy delicious, wholesome meals without spending a fortune at the grocery store.

Did you know that ground beef is one of the most economical ways to get high-quality protein on the paleo diet? When compared to steak or other cuts, it gives you more bang for your buck while still providing all the nutrients you need. Plus, it cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

In this post, we’ll share six amazing paleo ground beef recipes that are not only budget-friendly but also packed with flavor. These recipes are simpler than our popular paleo chicken dishes but just as satisfying. Let’s dive in and discover your new favorite weeknight dinners!

Why Ground Beef is Perfect for Paleo Cooking

Ground beef deserves a special place in any paleo kitchen! It’s one of the most versatile and budget-friendly protein sources available while fitting perfectly into paleo diet principles.

From a nutritional standpoint, ground beef (especially grass-fed) is packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These nutrients are essential for energy, brain function, and overall health – all important benefits for paleo dieters! For the best nutritional profile, look for grass-fed beef when your budget allows.

What makes ground beef such a economical choice is its price point compared to other paleo proteins. While steaks and roasts can get expensive, ground beef gives you the same nutritional benefits at a fraction of the cost. You can often find it on sale and stock up your freezer for future meals.

The versatility of ground beef is truly amazing! It works in countless paleo recipes – from skillet meals to soups, stuffed vegetables to casseroles. It takes on whatever flavors you add, making it perfect for various global cuisines while still keeping your meals strictly paleo.

For meal prep fans, ground beef is a dream. You can cook a big batch at the beginning of the week and use it in different recipes throughout the days ahead. It freezes beautifully both raw and cooked, so nothing goes to waste. This makes it the perfect protein choice for budget-conscious paleo followers!

6 Budget-Friendly Paleo Ground Beef Recipes

1. Simple Paleo Ground Beef Skillet

Quick Overview

This one-pan wonder combines seasoned ground beef with colorful vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the best part? It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish! This is the perfect weeknight paleo ground beef recipe when you need dinner on the table fast.

Key Ingredients for Simple Paleo Ground Beef Skillet

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
• 2 zucchini, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned.
4. Add the garlic, paprika, oregano, and cumin. Stir to combine and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet. Stir to combine with the beef mixture.
6. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still have a slight crunch.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.

What to Serve Simple Paleo Ground Beef Skillet With

This skillet meal is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice for a more filling dinner. For added freshness, serve with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• Don’t overcook the vegetables – they should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.
• Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand or are on sale – bell peppers can be swapped for mushrooms, and zucchini can be replaced with yellow squash.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of coconut aminos (a paleo-friendly substitute for soy sauce).
• If you enjoy spice, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.

2. Paleo Stuffed Bell Peppers

Quick Overview

These colorful stuffed peppers look impressive but are surprisingly budget-friendly and simple to make. Tender bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef and vegetables, then baked to perfection. This paleo ground beef recipe takes about 45 minutes total, with only 15 minutes of hands-on time.

Key Ingredients for Paleo Stuffed Bell Peppers

• 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved and seeds removed
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup riced cauliflower
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (check for no added sugar)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush the bell pepper halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and place them cut-side up in a baking dish.
3. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
5. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
6. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Stir in the riced cauliflower, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for 3-4 minutes until well combined and heated through.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the bell pepper halves.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

What to Serve Paleo Stuffed Bell Peppers With

These stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but pair nicely with a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms so they sit nicely in the baking dish.
• For softer peppers, pre-bake them empty for 10 minutes before filling.
• Make a double batch of the filling and freeze half for an even quicker meal next time.
• For extra flavor, top with nutritional yeast in the last few minutes of baking for a cheese-like flavor while keeping it dairy-free and paleo.

3. Paleo Beef and Sweet Potato Chili

Quick Overview

This hearty, comforting chili swaps beans for sweet potatoes to create a perfectly paleo-friendly meal that’s still filling and affordable. Rich in flavor and texture, this paleo ground beef recipe is perfect for batch cooking and tastes even better the next day. The total cooking time is about an hour, but most of that is hands-off simmering.

Key Ingredients for Paleo Beef and Sweet Potato Chili

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (check for paleo-friendly options with no additives)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, fresh cilantro, diced red onion

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and cinnamon. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
7. Simmer, covered, for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot with optional toppings.

What to Serve Paleo Beef and Sweet Potato Chili With

This chili is a meal in itself, but pairs wonderfully with paleo-friendly sides like cauliflower rice or a simple green salad. For a fun presentation, serve in hollowed-out roasted acorn squash halves.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• For a thicker chili, mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot after they’re tender.
• Add a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper if you prefer a spicier chili.
• This recipe freezes beautifully – make a double batch and freeze half for an easy meal later.
• For a smoky flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a couple of drops of liquid smoke (check ingredients to ensure it’s paleo-compliant).

4. Easy Paleo Beef Lettuce Wraps

Quick Overview

These fresh and light lettuce wraps feature seasoned ground beef with Asian-inspired flavors, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. They’re refreshing, budget-friendly, and take just 20 minutes to prepare. These paleo ground beef lettuce wraps are perfect for hot summer days when you want something light yet satisfying.

Key Ingredients for Easy Paleo Beef Lettuce Wraps

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (paleo substitute for soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce (check for paleo-friendly options)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated and washed
• Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until beginning to soften.
3. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Add the garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the bell pepper and carrot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
6. Pour in the coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and fish sauce. Stir to combine.
7. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the flavors meld.
8. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
9. To serve, spoon the beef mixture into individual lettuce leaves.
10. Top with optional garnishes and serve immediately.

What to Serve Easy Paleo Beef Lettuce Wraps With

These lettuce wraps are often served as an appetizer but can be a light main dish when paired with a side like sweet potato fries or a crunchy cucumber salad. For a more substantial meal, serve with cauliflower fried “rice.”

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• Choose lettuce with cup-shaped leaves that can hold the filling well, like butter lettuce or romaine hearts.
• To make the wraps easier to eat, don’t overfill them.
• Pat the lettuce leaves dry after washing to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
• This filling is also delicious served in hollowed-out bell peppers or on a bed of cauliflower rice if you prefer not to use lettuce.

5. Paleo Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

Quick Overview

This hearty, nourishing soup combines ground beef with plenty of vegetables for a budget-friendly paleo meal that’s perfect for batch cooking. The rich broth and tender vegetables make this a comforting option year-round. This paleo ground beef recipe takes about 45 minutes to prepare but can simmer longer for deeper flavor.

Key Ingredients for Paleo Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth (check for paleo-friendly options)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the zucchini and yellow squash. Cook for 3 minutes.
6. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, and paprika.
7. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
8. Simmer, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
9. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

What to Serve Paleo Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup With

This hearty soup is a complete meal on its own, but pairs well with simple sides like a green salad or paleo-friendly flax crackers. For a more filling meal, serve with paleo garlic bread made with almond flour.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• For extra flavor, brown the ground beef first, then remove it from the pot before cooking the vegetables. Add it back in at step 6.
• Use whatever vegetables are in season or on sale to keep this soup budget-friendly.
• This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
• For a thicker, stew-like consistency, add 1-2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder mixed with cold water during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

6. Paleo Beef Zucchini Boats

Quick Overview

These stuffed zucchini boats are a fun and delicious way to enjoy paleo ground beef! Tender zucchini halves are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef and vegetables, then baked until perfectly tender. This affordable paleo ground beef recipe takes about 40 minutes total, with 15 minutes of prep time.

Key Ingredients for Paleo Beef Zucchini Boats

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the center flesh, leaving about 1/4-inch thickness around the edges to create “boats.” Roughly chop the scooped zucchini flesh and set aside.
3. Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet and brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
6. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
7. Add the bell pepper, garlic, mushrooms, and reserved chopped zucchini flesh. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
8. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for 2 minutes until well combined.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Fill each zucchini boat with the beef mixture, mounding slightly.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still holds its shape.
12. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

What to Serve Paleo Beef Zucchini Boats With

These zucchini boats are filling enough to be a meal on their own, but pair nicely with a simple green salad or roasted sweet potatoes. For a complete paleo dinner, serve with cauliflower rice.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• Choose zucchini that are straight and uniform in size for easier filling and even cooking.
• Don’t scoop out too much flesh from the zucchini or they may become too fragile after baking.
• If your zucchini boats are wobbling on the baking sheet, slice a very thin strip from the bottom to create a flat surface.
• For a crunchy topping, sprinkle with crushed paleo-friendly plantain chips during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Money-Saving Tips for Paleo Ground Beef Cooking

Eating paleo doesn’t have to be expensive! These smart shopping and cooking strategies will help you make the most of your budget while enjoying delicious paleo ground beef recipes.

First, look for sales and stock up when ground beef is at its lowest price. Many grocery stores mark down meat that’s close to its sell-by date, often early in the morning or late in the evening. These packages are perfect for immediate use or freezing. Don’t be afraid to ask your butcher when they typically mark down meat!

Consider buying in bulk from warehouse stores or local farms, then dividing the meat into recipe-sized portions before freezing. This can save dollars per pound. For the healthiest option, grass-fed ground beef goes on sale periodically – when it does, that’s the time to stock up!

Stretching your ground beef is another great strategy. Mix in paleo-friendly ingredients like finely chopped mushrooms, grated zucchini, or riced cauliflower to extend the meat without sacrificing flavor or texture. This works especially well in recipes like chili, stuffed peppers, or meat sauces.

Batch cooking is your budget’s best friend! Cook once, eat multiple times by preparing large batches of paleo ground beef recipes and enjoying the leftovers throughout the week. Many ground beef dishes taste even better the second day, and proper meal planning prevents expensive takeout when you’re tired.

Don’t overlook the power of seasonal vegetables in your paleo ground beef recipes. In-season produce is not only fresher and more flavorful but typically much less expensive. Farmers’ markets often have great deals, especially near closing time!

Health Benefits of Paleo Ground Beef Meals

Paleo ground beef recipes don’t just taste good – they’re good for you! Understanding the health benefits might make you enjoy these affordable meals even more.

Ground beef is packed with high-quality protein, containing all the essential amino acids your body needs but can’t produce on its own. One serving provides about 20-25 grams of protein, which helps build and repair tissues, supports immune function, and keeps you feeling full longer.

When choosing grass-fed beef for your paleo ground beef recipes, you’re getting an excellent source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). These beneficial fats support heart health, reduce inflammation, and may even help with healthy weight management.

The micronutrient content of beef is impressive too! It’s one of the best sources of easily absorbable iron, helping prevent iron deficiency and fatigue. It’s also rich in zinc for immune health, B vitamins for energy production, and selenium for antioxidant protection.

Pairing ground beef with plenty of vegetables, as in many of our recipes, creates perfectly balanced paleo meals. The vegetables provide fiber, additional vitamins, and minerals, while the fat in the beef helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables.

For those following a paleo lifestyle for health reasons, these ground beef recipes support many common health goals. The protein and fat promote satiety, the complete nutrition profile supports energy levels, and the absence of processed ingredients aligns with the anti-inflammatory principles of the paleo diet.