Creamy keto slaw offers a flavorful twist on traditional slaw by combining seasoned ground beef with a tangy homemade mayonnaise and Dijon mustard dressing. Quick to prepare and full of texture, this dish makes an excellent low-carb dinner or a hearty salad-style main that’s rich in protein and satisfying on a ketogenic meal plan.
If you’ve ever found one of those pre-packaged “dry slaw” mixes—shredded cabbage with a few carrots—this recipe is a great way to use it. The dry slaw cooks down quickly and soaks up the savory flavors from the beef and Asian-style seasonings, while the mayonnaise-Dijon dressing gives everything a creamy, bright finish. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but interesting enough to serve for company.
Is Coleslaw Good For You?
Cabbage is the main ingredient in coleslaw and belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, the same group as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables are nutrient-dense and often highlighted for their potential health benefits. Cabbage supplies fiber, vitamins like vitamin C and K, and several phytonutrients that support overall health.
Raw or lightly cooked cabbage tends to retain more of its delicate enzymes and some beneficial compounds. Red cabbage in particular contains higher levels of polyphenols than green cabbage, and those pigments add both color and additional antioxidant value. As with any food, including coleslaw as part of a balanced diet contributes fiber and micronutrients, while this version keeps carbohydrates very low thanks to the protein-rich ground beef and a modest amount of dressing.
Cooking Tips You Might Enjoy
When browning the ground beef, dice the onion first and add it to the pan with the mince so it softens while the meat cooks. This creates a base of flavor and prevents the onion from burning. Cook the beef until it is just browned and the onion is translucent.
When you add the dry slaw mix to the pan, it may look like too much at first. Don’t worry—the cabbage will quickly wilt and reduce in volume as it cooks. Allow a few minutes for the slaw to soften before stirring, and use medium heat so the cabbage steams and tenderizes without drying out.
Add the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard once the cabbage has softened to your liking. Toss quickly and gently so the mayonnaise warms through without separating. If you prefer a little extra savory bite, a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before serving adds a pleasant umami contrast.
This recipe is flexible: swap sesame oil for another neutral oil if needed, adjust the sriracha for heat, or substitute gluten-free soy sauce with tamari for a similar flavor profile. The balance of savory, tangy and slightly sweet from the cabbage makes this an adaptable crowd-pleaser.
Recipe
Creamy Keto Slaw
512kcal
FatForWeightLoss (Aaron Day)
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
Ingredients
- 500 g Beef mince (ground beef) (about 1 lb)
- 1/2 Whole Brown onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp Gluten-free soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 tsp Ground ginger
- 2 tsp Fish sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha (optional)
- 300 g Dry slaw (cabbage mix)
- 5 Tbsp Homemade mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and beef mince. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is lightly browned and the onion is soft.
- Stir in the soy sauce, ground ginger, sesame oil, sriracha (if using) and fish sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add the dry slaw mix to the pan. Reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and reduces in volume.
- Mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together in a small bowl, then add to the pan. Toss gently and quickly so the dressing warms through without separating. Serve immediately.
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Tips & Notes:
1. Add the onion early so it softens as the beef browns—this prevents burnt bits and deepens the flavor base.
2. Don’t be alarmed when the dry slaw initially overflows the pan; cabbage wilts down quickly as it cooks. Allow a few minutes for it to reduce before stirring frequently.
3. Toss the mayonnaise and mustard into the pan only after the cabbage has softened. Work fast and gently to keep the dressing smooth.
4. Optional: finish with a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a salty, savory note that complements the creamy dressing.
Calories from Fat 387
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Dinner, Main Course, Main Dish, Salad
Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Carb / Keto, Nut Free
Creamy Keto Slaw
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