Low-Carb Dinners with Beef Mince & Kebabs: Easy & Healthy Ideas
Whether you’re following a keto plan, cutting carbs for health, or simply want cleaner weeknight meals, beef mince and kebabs can be the unsung heroes of a low-carb kitchen. Versatile, filling, and full of flavour, they offer endless options that don’t require hours in the kitchen, or a long list of ingredients.
This guide shares simple, satisfying low-carb beef recipes tailored for Kiwi cooks, using quality meat that keeps things wholesome and delicious.
Why Go Low-Carb with Beef?
Beef is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a smart choice for low-carb diets. It’s also:
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Rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins
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Satiating, which helps curb cravings
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Easy to cook in bulk or prepare ahead
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Flexible across cuisines — from Mediterranean to Asian-style meals
But not all beef is created equal. To get the most flavour and nutrition, start with premium-quality, 100% grass-fed beef cuts.
1. Dry-Aged Mince Lettuce Cups
Lettuce cups are a great alternative to tortillas or wraps and let the flavour of the mince take centre stage.
Ingredients:
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Garlic, ginger, and chilli (to taste)
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Tamari or coconut aminos
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Finely chopped spring onion
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Iceberg or cos lettuce leaves
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Sesame oil (optional)
Method:
Sauté the garlic and ginger, then add the mince. Brown thoroughly, add tamari and chilli, and cook until the meat is slightly caramelised. Spoon into lettuce cups and top with spring onion. Drizzle with sesame oil for extra depth.
Our Premium Dry-Aged Mince isn’t just mince, it’s flavour-packed from our unique dry-aging process, resulting in rich, grass-fed beef taste you won’t get elsewhere. You can order it directly through our online store or pick it up from our Butchery and Showroom in Heretaunga Street East, Hastings.
2. Mediterranean-Style Beef Koftas
These koftas are simple to make, packed with herbs and spices, and pair beautifully with grilled veggies or cauliflower tabbouleh.
Ingredients:
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400g beef mince
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1 tsp cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Chopped parsley and mint
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Salt and pepper
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Skewers (if grilling)
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients and form into logs or small patties. Grill on skewers or pan-fry. Serve with tzatziki, grilled eggplant, or a cucumber salad.
For an easy upgrade, check out our Beef Rump Kebabs, which are already prepped, skewered, and ready for the grill — perfect for summer entertaining or quick weeknight meals.
3. Stuffed Courgettes or Peppers
These are great for meal prep and customisable to suit your flavour preferences.
Ingredients:
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500g beef mince
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4–6 courgettes or capsicums, halved and hollowed
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Tomato paste
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Diced onion, garlic
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Chopped herbs or spinach
Steps:
Sauté onion and garlic, then brown the mince. Add tomato paste, seasonings, and herbs. Fill your courgette boats or capsicums and bake for 25–30 mins until cooked through and golden.
Tip: Mix in a spoonful of feta or grated cheese if you’re not strictly dairy-free.
4. Grilled Beef Kebabs with Summer Salad
Perfect for BBQ season, kebabs are easy to prepare and great for feeding a crowd with minimal carbs.
Grab a pack of Premium Angus Beef Rump Kebabs from Matangi, they’re handcrafted in our Hastings Butchery and feature tender, grass-fed beef in flavourful marinades.
Pair them with:
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A Greek salad (cucumber, tomato, feta, olive oil)
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Cauliflower rice or grilled aubergine slices
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A lemony tahini dressing
5. Quick Beef Mince Stir Fry
This meal delivers in under 20 minutes and is easily bulked up with low-carb veggies.
Go-to stir fry additions:
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Broccoli, bok choy, or cabbage
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Garlic, ginger, chilli flakes
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Coconut aminos or tamari
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Fresh coriander or basil
Use Matangi’s Dry-Aged Mince to elevate the dish with deep, savoury notes you just won’t get with supermarket mince.
Making Low-Carb Meals Simple (and Satisfying)
The key to sticking with any healthy eating plan is simplicity and satisfaction. By keeping a few staples like mince and kebabs in the fridge or freezer, you can whip up meals that are:
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Naturally low in carbs
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Full of flavour and texture
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High in protein
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Versatile enough for family dinners or solo meals
Our Mince & Quick Cuts collection is a great place to start if you’re stocking your kitchen with low-carb meal ideas in mind. From Premium Dry-Aged Mince to marinated kebabs, everything is vacuum-sealed and ready to cook — no complicated prep needed.