These diabetic-friendly ground beef recipes are economical and easy to cook. From meat loaf to sloppy joes, you’ll find all new favorites your family will love.
39 Diabetic-Friendly Ground Beef Recipes
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole
One of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We’re crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Beef & Bulgur-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Total Time
65 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom frequently cooked the giant zucchini that she grew in her garden. I adapted this recipe from one of her favorite weeknight meals. Though I love the taste of fresh-picked zucchini, the ones I've bought from the grocery store work great, too.—Susan Peterson, Blaine, Minnesota.
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed zucchini halves: 361 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 714mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
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Greek Sloppy Joes
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Feta is one of my favorite kinds of cheese. It's delish in a burger, but it truly shines in this Mediterranean-style sloppy joe. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 337 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a lighter version of a restaurant favorite. I also recommend trying these wraps with ground chicken or turkey.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 250 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Beef Barley Skillet
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This versatile dish goes together fast since it's made with quick-cooking barley. You can make it with ground turkey or chicken and any color bell pepper that you have on hand. —Irene Tetreault, South Hadley, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 362 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Italian Beef Vegetable Soup
Total Time
320 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty beef soup features a ton of fresh vegetables, making it the perfect dish to use up all that summer produce. It's also fantastic during cooler weather! Make sure you serve this flavorful soup with some breadsticks, rolls or flaky biscuits. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 127 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 617mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
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Easy Cuban Picadillo
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 363 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 683mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For extra flavor, I sometime add beef bouillon to the dish while the peppers bake. It also steams them a little. If also make these with ground chicken or turkey; then I'll use chicken bouillon instead. —Hope Huggins, Santa Cruz, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 245 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
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Juicy & Delicious Mixed Spice-Burgers
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We like trying to make "street foods" at home, perfecting recipes for dishes like gyros and these spiced burgers, known as kofta. — Anne Henry, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 192 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
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Meatball Cabbage Rolls
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother often had these cabbage rolls simmering in her slow cooker when my family and I arrived at her house for weekend visits. The mouthwatering meatballs tucked inside made these stand out from any other cabbage rolls I've tried. —Betty Buckmaster, Muskogee, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
3 rolls: 323 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 762mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Zucchini Lasagna
Total Time
60 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We plant zucchini every year and always seem to have more than we can use! This hearty zucchini lasagna is a delicious way to use an abundant crop. —Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 273 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
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Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Total Time
95 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here is one of my favorite ways to cook and enjoy cabbage. It has all the good flavor of regular cabbage rolls, but it's a lot less bother to make. In fact, it's a one-pot meal! —Mrs. Bernard Snow, Lewiston, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 291 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Arrabbiata Sauce with Zucchini Noodles
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This popular Italian dish is flavorful and spicy. We decided to re-create one of our favorite jarred sauces and serve over zucchini pasta for a lighter, healthier meal that's naturally gluten-free. The results were amazing! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sauce with 1 cup zucchini noodles: 287 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
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Texas Tacos
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe by combining a bunch of taco ingredients that my kids like. Once it’s ready, I often keep the beef mixture warm in a slow cooker so the kids can quickly fill taco shells after an afternoon of rigorous soccer practice. —Susan Scully, Mason, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 294 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Korean Beef and Rice
Total Time
15 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It's delicious! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup beef mixture with 2/3 cup rice: 413 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Salisbury Steak Supreme
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was running late one night, a go-to recipe of my mom's popped into my head. Now it's one of my husband's favorites. It also makes a fast and satisfying solution for what to serve unexpected company. —Patricia Swart, Galloway, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 244 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Lettuce-Wrap Burgers
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These fresh flavors blend like a dream. It's a snap to throw the wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like. —Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 wraps: 252 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
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Italian Hot Dish
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband had a poor perception of healthy food until he tried this beefy casserole. The combination of pasta, oregano, mushrooms and green peppers makes it a favorite healthy pasta recipe in our house. —Theresa Smith, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 394 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Hamburger Casserole
Total Time
65 mins
Servings
10 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 270 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
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Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce and Tomato
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have reduced grains and other starches in my diet due to health reasons, so I was looking for filling, comforting meals without pasta or potatoes. When I was tinkering with this spaghetti squash recipe, I discovered something fun to eat! —Becky Ruff, Mc Gregor, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups squash with 1 cup meat sauce: 354 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
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Spanish Rice with Ground Beef
Total Time
20 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom is famous for her Spanish rice recipe, the ultimate comfort food. When I want a taste of home, I whip up this dish. Punch up the flavor with a little lime and extra chili powder. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 408 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable.
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Cheeseburger Pasta
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this cheeseburger pasta recipe to satisfy a craving. What a delicious, healthy classic! —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 391 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Chili Mac Casserole
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 313 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Hearty Pita Tacos
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't need to skimp on flavor when trying to eat healthy. Our 9-year-old daughter enjoys helping us make these tasty tacos, and likes eating them even more. —Jamie Valocchi, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 339 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
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Skillet Beef Tamales
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup meat mixture with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 329 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Fall Vegetable Sloppy Joes
Total Time
270 mins
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this dish in the fall and sneak grated vegetables into the sloppy joe mixture, which is especially good for children who don’t like to eat their vegetables! Just walk away and let the slow cooker do all the work. Top the filling with a little shredded cheese before serving. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 275 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Spaghetti Pie
Total Time
55 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic Italian combination is remade into a creamy, family-pleasing spaghetti pie. This recipe was given to me several years ago. My family never grows tired of it. — Ellen Thompson, Springfield, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 348 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Feta Mushroom Burgers
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from my son-in-law and I tweaked it to make it healthier. The burgers are so quick to whip up on the grill on busy nights. —Dolores Block, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 371 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Couscous Meatball Soup
Total Time
65 mins
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup will warm you up and takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. —Jonathan Pace, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 202 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
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Firehouse Chili
Total Time
110 mins
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
As one of the cooks at the firehouse, I used to prepare meals for 10 men. This firehouse chili recipe was among their favorites. —Richard Clements, San Dimas, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 354 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 8g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
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Beef Lentil Soup
Total Time
85 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can prepare this soup as the main course in a hearty lunch or dinner. On cold winter evenings here in New England, I've often enjoyed sipping a steaming mugful in front of our fireplacel. —Guy Turnbull, Arlington, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 314 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch.
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Great-Grandma's Italian Meatballs
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
8 servings
Nutrition Facts:
About 7 meatballs: 271 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Beef Barley Lentil Soup
Servings
10 servings (about 3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I serve this soup often to family and friends on cold nights, along with homemade rolls and a green salad. For variety, you can substitute jicama for the potatoes. —Judy Metzentine, The Dalles, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 232 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 603mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Tortilla Pie
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I enjoy this southwestern take on lasagna because it’s not as dense or heavy as traditional layered dishes made with pasta. Our two daughters enjoy the mild flavor. —Lisa King, Caledonia, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 356 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
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Beef & Black Bean Soup
Total Time
370 mins
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I lead a busy life, so I'm always trying to come up with timesaving recipes. This zippy and colorful soup is one of my husband's favorites. It has been a hit at family gatherings, too. —Vickie Gibson, Gardendale, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 203 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 630mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Sweet Potato Stew
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Beef broth and herbs complement the potatoes' subtle sweetness in this hearty stew that's perfect for fall. — Helen Vail, Glenside, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 265 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Italian Beef and Shells
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A veggie and pasta combo makes a hearty entree that comes together easily. Wine lends an extra touch of flavor to the sauce and makes this main dish a winner. —Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 396 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.
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