We all have those staple recipes that our freezer is never without, and this Keto Meat Sauce is one for me. You can serve it over zucchini noodles for a grab and go meal, or use it in a recipe like Eggplant Lasagna. Either way, prepare to be amazed with this delicious low carb spaghetti sauce! It is ridiculously aromatic and SO much better than jarred sauce. Want to make it even easier? The Instant Pot makes this one a cinch!
Keto Meat Sauce for the Win!
As much as I love to cook, there are days when the thought of spending an hour in the kitchen in the evening isn't appealing.
The truth is, this happens to me a lot.
With a business, three homeschooled kids, and a house to take care of, there are plenty of days when I am out of steam before dinner time.
It is always good to have go-to shortcut meals for those times when you realize at 5 o’clock that you’ve been so busy all day that you haven’t given dinner a second thought.
Keeping this Low Carb Meat Sauce in the freezer at all times has saved dinner at our house more times than I can count.
It is fantastic over zucchini noodles, mashed cauliflower, and even cauliflower rice. (And, also, though it is keto-friendly the whole family loves it. They can enjoy it over carb-y things that shall not be mentioned. :))
Tips & Tricks
- Since tomato paste does have sugars in it, we only use it in moderation. I recommend purchasing the type that comes in a tube so you can use what is needed and save the rest. (Imported tubes of tomato paste are a high-quality convenience product that I never want to be without!) If you do buy a can, you can freeze the leftovers in 1 tablespoon portions for future use.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to one month.
- Even if I am not making the sauce to freeze, I like to make it a day ahead of serving. The flavors develop as it sits in the fridge - plus, it is a whole lot easier to get dinner on the table.
- I recommend using ground chuck for this recipe. It is more keto-friendly and adds flavor that you won’t get from a leaner cut of meat.
Variations
- For an interesting twist, add in 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Add 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar.
- Add 2 tablespoons of anchovy paste.
- If you eat pork, feel free to substitute ground pork.
- This recipe is also great with sausage.
Can I Make Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce? Yes, Here is How!
First, start by setting your instant pot to high saute. Add the butter and oil. Once the butter melts, add the onion, garlic, and celery. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground beef to the pot, and cook until the ground beef in browns.
Add the tomatoes and DO NOT STIR. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and seal. Set to high pressure, and cook for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes and then do a quick release.
Se the pressure to low saute and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese melts, about 2 more minutes.
How Many Carbs are in Meat Sauce?
The amount of carbohydrates in meat sauce is going to vary. Most recipes contain a touch of sugar, which can increase the carbs dramatically. This recipe contains just 5 net carbs per serving.
Storing Keto Spaghetti Meat Sauce
This recipe will keep for up to 5 days, covered in the refrigerator. You can freeze it for up to three months. I like to use a Super Cube, and freeze it in 1 cup portions.
Serving Suggestions
There are many different ways to enjoy this keto ground beef tomato sauce. For a keto spaghetti dinner, serve it over zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, spaghetti squash, or Palmini noodles. It is fabulous on pizza and in lasagna. (It is key to this eggplant lasagna.) My 7-year-old has been known to make a meal from it straight from the pot!
How to Make Keto Marinara Meat Sauce
For full instructions with measurements, scroll down to the printable recipe card below.
1 Heat the oil and but in a Dutch Oven over medium-high heat. Cook until the butter has melted and stopped foaming.
2 Add onion, celery, and garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Stir often.
3 Sprinkle the vegetable mixture with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring often.
4 Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until the meat is brown about 10 minutes.
5 Crush the tomatoes by hand and add to the pot along with the juice. Bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, occasionally stirring, for 40 minutes.
6 Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is melted, about 2 more minutes.
You May Also Like:
- If you are looking for a meat-free options to serve as a pizza sauce or use in a casserole, this Keto Marinara Recipe can't be beat!
- Keto Meatloaf is another simple staple that you will make time and again. This is one even your non-keto family will fall in love with.
- This Keto Steak Marinade is another recipe you will want to include in your meal prep. It is the perfect way to elevate steak night!
- For dessert, it doesn't get much better (or easier) than these Keto Truffles.
I made this Low Carb Meat Sauce on a whim several years back and was blown away by the delicious result. Since it has become something that I make several times a month. I like to double the recipe and freeze half. That way, a healthy meal is never far away.
Keto Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup onion chopped
- 1 celery stalk chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 16 ounce ground beef
- 28 ounces whole tomatoes and juice crushed by hand
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Instructions
Stove Top
- Heat oil and butter in a Dutch Oven over medium high heat until the butter is melted and has stopped foaming.
- Add onion, celery, and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, and stir in tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef, and cook until the moisture is evaporated and the meat is brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is melted, about 2 more minutes.
Instant Pot
- Set your pot to high saute and add the butter and oil. Heat until the butter is melted and has stopped foaming.
- Add onion, celery, and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, and stir in tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef, and cook until the moisture is evaporated and the meat is brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add tomatoes. DO NOT STIR. Place the lid on your Instant Pot and seal. Cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Allow the pot to release naturally for 15 minutes, and then do a quick release.
- Set the pot to low saute. Cook until the cheese is melted, about 2 more minutes.
Nutrition
Other Low Carb Recipes That Are Great for Meal Prep:
- This Keto Egg Roll in a bowl comes together easily and reheats well. There is a reason it is called crack slaw!
- Chicken Club Lettuce Wrap Sandwiches are the perfect grab and go lunch!
- These Breakfast Sauces Patties make breakfast a breeze.
This post was originally published August 2019. It was updated April 2020.
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