This is the supreme guide to keto side dishes and is perfect for beginners. Discover the BEST side dish recipes for beef that are keto-friendly.

What’s for dinner? If the answer is beef, you’ll undoubtedly want to serve a delicious side dish along with your red meat. Here are my favourite beef sides that will keep your carb count in check!

collage of easy keto side dishes for beef
The supreme guide to keto side dishes for BEEF. It’s perfect for beginners.

Ah, there’s nothing quite like a juicy steak. In fact, a steak dinner is one of my all-time favourite meals, particularly when paired with guilt free sides that even the pickiest eaters gobble up. Try one or try them all…every dish here is a proven winner!

You might also want to bookmark what to serve with chicken and the best low-carb side dishes for pork.

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Is beef low carb?

Beef is very low carb! In fact, there are 0 carbs in red meat. It’s also surprisingly low in calories. For example, 3 oz of beef tenderloin is just 275 calories.

Depending on the cut of meat you can, it can also be low or high fat. While the fattier cuts are more caloric, they will also be more satiating and flavourful.

Beef is also high-protein and is jam-packed with nutrients and vitamins such as zinc, iron, selenium, and B12, just to name a few. It definitely deserves a spot at your dinner table!

Beef nutrition

Ground beef is a versatile meat and is a nutritious source of protein, iron, and Vitamin B12.

The amount of protein and fat in any cut of beef will be dictated by which variety of beef you buy. The higher the fat content, the lower the protein.

Per 100g (3.5oz)CarbsProteinFatCalories
Ground beef 70% lean014.4g30g332
Ground beef 80% lean017.2g20g254
Ground beef 90% lean020.0g10g176
Ground beef 95% lean021.4g5g137
Ground beef nutrition per 100g/3.5oz serving

Nutritional values from cronometer.com

The best low carb sides for beef

Now, on to the good part – the sides! These dishes will add extra flavor while also being easy on carbohydrates.

Mashed cauliflower

First, let’s address the elephant in the room. There are many classic pairings for steak that are very high in carbohydrates (I’m looking at you, mashed potatoes!).

However, I’ve found an excellent substitution for mashed potatoes…mashed cauliflower. You’ll barely note the difference, particularly when you season them properly.

Learn how to make 4 different flavours of mashed cauliflower – the cheesy or butter versions pair particularly well with a nice steak!

rsz_cauliflower_and_bacon_popcorn_12
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Caesar salad

The perfect low-carb high-protein salad has to be keto Caesar salad. Add extra bacon and poached eggs and throw away any croutons.

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Mac and cheese

No, your standard blue box of mac and cheese doesn’t count as a low carb side, sorry! But, you can easily get all the flavour (and none of the guilt) with this creamy cauliflower bacon mac and cheese!

Creamy Cauliflower Bacon Mac And Cheese Recipe
This is THE BEST recipe for easy Creamy Cauliflower Bacon Mac And Cheese – print it off and keep this one!
Check out this recipe

Creamed brussels sprouts

Dreaming of enjoying your steak with a creamy sauce? Look no further than these fantastic creamy Brussels sprouts! This classic recipe is cooked in a delicious garlic parmesan sauce that you’ll love dipping your meat into.

Creamed Brussels Sprouts Recipe (Garlic Parmesan)
EASY tender garlic creamed Brussels sprouts with parmesan are the perfect delicious cheesy side dish.
Check out this recipe

Bacon, broccoli, and cauliflower salad

Smoky bacon makes anything amazing tasting! But this side takes it a step further and uses sour cream to add even more yum.

fathead pizza base 1
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Spaghetti squash

Missing sweet potatoes? Try spaghetti squash! It has all the flavour you are missing with just a fraction of the carbs. You can even add a drizzle of keto maple syrup to up the sweetness factor.

11 Amazing Low-Carb Dessert Recipes
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Prosciutto-wraped asparagus

If you are going to cook your steak on the grill, this recipe is the perfect match to go along with it! You can also cook this in the oven, but I love the smoky grill flavour with this asparagus side dish.

chocolate swirl baked cheesecake
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Stuffed mushrooms

Okay, this one is a bit of a cheat because it’s a side that also has beef within it! Make these stuffed mushrooms for a dinner one evening, then set aside a few to enjoy along with steak the next day!

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Cheesy garlic bread

There is nothing quite like garlic bread. Everyone loves it at the dinner table. You will fall in love with buttery, cheesy keto garlic bread.

sugar free mint sauce
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Crusty bread

If you love enjoying your beef with a side of crusty bread, you’re in luck! You really can have it all with this keto-friendly focaccia bread.

I like to serve this with a small dish that has olive oil and balsamic vinegar along with some chopped garlic, then dip my bread into it.

Keto Focaccia Bread Recipe (Gluten-Free)
A traditional keto focaccia bread with olives and rosemary. Stuffed with feta and sundried tomatoes for an authentic Meditteranean taste.
Check out this recipe
baked focaccia bread on a wooden bread board

Baked zucchini chips

Sometimes when you fry up a burger you just want some french fries or chips. While potatoes are a no-go on a low carb diet, these zucchini chips are one of the best dishes to scratch that itch.

This post shows you how to make them in different ways including a basic salt and pepper chip, oil and vinegar chips, Mexican chips, garlic chips, and cheesy chips too!

Healthy Baked Zucchini Chips Recipe (4 ways)
Healthy baked zucchini chips that are quick and easy and are low carb and keto friendly. 4 delicious flavours you're family will love.
Check out this recipe

Keto cheesy baked asparagus

Looking for a sauce with a creamy texture? If so, you’ll love this delicious baked asparagus side dish.

The veggies are baked in the oven in a creamy sauce made with cream cheese and mozzarella. This cheesy asparagus bake is a healthy take on scalloped potatoes.

This one is my go to recipe for a dinner party. Everyone loves it! Feel free to make it for your next dinner party and see just how much people love this side dish.

Keto Cheesy Baked Asparagus Recipe
Your whole family will love this keto cheesy baked asparagus. This asparagus is perfect if you are looking for a tasty low-carb side.
Check out this recipe

Brussels sprouts with bacon

Yum. It honestly doesn’t get better than bacon and Brussels sprouts! This is one of my favorite side dishes of all time. It has a lovely smoky flavour thanks to the bacon, but this side dish also calls for orange zest which contrasts beautifully.

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Cauliflower rice

Cauliflower strikes again! This simple, mess-free method for cauliflower rice is the perfect side dish for beef. Plus, you can flavour it in so many ways. Turn it into a stir fry with veg, or mix it with heavy cream and cheese for a delicious cheesy rice.

Curry Cauliflower Rice Recipe (no mess method)
The perfect addition to any low-carb and keto curry night. Easy Curry Cauliflower Rice with turmeric and coconut.
Check out this recipe

Zoodles

Zoodles, aka zucchini noodles, are an excellent low-carb substitute for pasta. While you can certainly enjoy these noodles warm, I actually prefer them cold as a side for my steak!

Baked broccoli and cauliflower

Looking for a new way to enjoy your veggies? Try this baked broccoli and cauliflower! The vegetables are cooked in a cheat’s cheese sauce that’s incredibly easy to make, and delicious.

Ruth Soukup
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Low carb Mexican coleslaw

Every once in a while, I crave a nice crunchy side dish with my beef. This Mexican coleslaw is the perfect thing to serve. It’s got a bright, zesty lime sauce that you’ll keep coming back to!

rsz_sugar_free_pecan_chocolate_tall
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Simple side dish ideas for beef (no recipe needed)

collage of easy keto side dishes
Simple side dishes for beef

These ideas are so simple that there’s no recipe required! I love experimenting with all the different flavors, sauces, and seasonings that make each of these side dishes the perfect match for beef! Choose a few of these side dishes and enjoy.

Green beans

Whether you sautee fresh green beans in butter or grab a can of green beans and re-heat, this side pairs well with red meat.

I particularly like mine with a squeeze of lemon juice over the top for extra flavor. Green beans however are a higher carb vegetable so make sure you portion control them and add them into your daily carb limit.

Salad

Salad is a simple and versatile side dish that can be made a million different ways. Make a pile of leafy greens and add extra virgin olive oil and low-sugar balsamic vinegar dressing, or squeeze some lemon juice on.

You can even just grab a salad kit from the grocery store – just make sure to watch for sneakily added carbs! Keto Caesar salad is a wonderful high-protein salad. Just remember to ditch the croutons and add extra bacon.

Roasted veggies

Grab some cauliflower, broccoli or any other hardy veggie like carrots (just watch the carbs). Chop them into uniform pieces, add some oil and spices like thyme, and roast until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!

Sauteed greens

Heat some olive oil and garlic over a pan, then add in your greens. You can enjoy collard greens, chard, kale, or spinach—or a combination! Feel free to experiment with seasonings and toppings. Its truly delicious!

Simple steamed low-carb vegetables

Simple steamed or boiled broccoli and cauliflower are easy mid-week side dishes. Always keep a supply of fresh or frozen vegetables at hand.

Low-carb condiments for your steak

Diagram showing the carb values in various sources
Carbs in sauces charts

Last, but not least, part of the fun of enjoying steak is the sauce you serve it with!

Here are some of my favourite steak toppings and seasonings:

  • blue cheese – the creamy tanginess of blue cheese is the perfect pairing for tender, juicy steak. If you aren’t a blue cheese fan, try gargonzola cheese or even shaved parmesan.
  • ketchup – but make sure to watch the carbs and added sugar. Get my Instant Pot sugar-free ketchup recipe here.
  • bbq sauce – again, you’ll have to watch out for the carb count. If you want a guilt free version, try my delicious tangy keto bbq sauce. It only has 1 gram net carbs per 2 tablespoons!
  • a creamy sauce like this cream cheese mushroom sauce. It’s fantastic!
  • minced garlic and butter – another classic topping. It’s as simple as adding a generous pat of butter and some garlic or chives on top of your steak.
  • red wine sauce – cook your steak in a red wine reduction with some seasonings.
  • salt and pepper for classic flavor.
miss-marys-sinless-syrups
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Sugar-Free Instant Pot Ketchup Recipe
Make sugar-free ketchup easily in the Instant Pot using fresh tomatoes.
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Sugar-free ketchup in a glass bowl
Tangy Keto BBQ Sauce Recipe (sugar-free)
This easy tangy keto BBQ sauce is so delicious it will become your go-to for all your grilling and barbecue needs.
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Best keto dishes that use beef

So now you know what sides to make, but perhaps you want to know how to cook and serve the actual beef! There are a variety of recipes that can be cooked in the oven, slow-cooker, Instant Pot, or air fryer.

Beef is a very versatile meat. There are so many different ways to enjoy it from a thick cut of a juicy steak to ground beef. These are all healthy kid-friendly family dinners.

These beef recipes are the perfect starting point when you are wondering what on earth to make for dinner.

collage of easy keto side dishes for beef
Discover the BEST sides that are keto-friendly.

Plus, make sure to check out this helpful post about low-carb ground beef meal prep so you can plan ahead and always have something in your freezer to pull out for dinner!

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