Beef liver is one of the most nutrient-dense, low-carb superfoods out there. Often overlooked, this vital organ meat is packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, B12, iron, and zinc. ^{[1] [2]}

These powerful nutrients work synergistically to support the body’s energy levels and metabolism, boost the immune system, and promote overall health and well-being. ^{[3] [4]}

Whether you’re strictly carnivore, explore nose-to-tail eating, or just looking for some nutrient-dense, low-carb, high-protein dinner ideas, we’ll explore the top 10 beef liver recipes to serve up any night of the week.

1. Keto Hidden Liver Burgers

The perfect, juicy anytime burger that will give you a serious energy-pick-me-up. This recipe is a great way to begin incorporating beef liver into your meal planning. Simply mix the ingredients, form the patties, grill, and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ lb ground beef
• ¼ lb beef liver, ground
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 ½ tsp coriander powder (optional)
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning (optional)
• ½ medium red onion (optional)
• Lettuce wraps (optional)

For assembly and cooking instructions, check out A Girl Worth Saving. We’ve modified the recipe to swap out chicken liver for beef liver which will only add to the flavor and give you that serious energy boost.

2. Low-Carb Beef Liver and Onions

This flavorful take on traditional liver and onions will satisfy all you spice lovers out there. Smokey, aromatic, and with a touch of sweetness from the onions, not only is this a nutrient-packed meal, but a serious win in the taste department.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb calf liver
• 1 onion
• 4 tbsp olive oil or ghee
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

• If using beef liver, soak in full-fat milk for an hour, then discard the milk when finished. This helps to remove the bitterness of the meat and improves taste.
• Slice the liver into one inch thick pieces.
• Wash and pat the liver dry.
• Mix spices together, liberally rub liver with spices.
• Chop onions into rings shapes by slicing lengthwise.
• Add 2 tbsp olive oil or ghee to the cast iron pan.
• When heated, add onions and sprinkle a pinch of the mixed spices. Saute for a few minutes until caramelized.
• Remove onions from the pan. Add 2 more tbsp of olive oil or ghee.
• Add liver pieces and cook liver for 3-5 minutes on medium-high heat.
• Top with onions and serve.

For more details on this recipe, check out Low Carb Africa and enjoy!

3. Savory Beef Liver, Bacon and Mushroom Saute

This easy, tasty, and nutrient-rich dish may very well become a regular in your weekly dinner rotation. Get creative and try out an array of mushrooms (Lion’s maine or shitake are winners) to find your favorite flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb grass-fed beef liver
• 4 strips bacon
• 3 tbsp ghee
• ½ large onion
• 4 large garlic cloves
• 10 oz sliced mushrooms of choice

Check out the full recipe and instructions here.

4. Keto BBQ Liver Meatballs

If you’re a bit reluctant to try beef liver, this is a great “hidden-liver” recipe that is loaded with sweet, tangy BBQ flavor and still serves up uber nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 oz beef liver
• ½ small yellow onion, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp paprika
• ½ tsp cracked black pepper
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ghee
• 1 cup sugar-free or Keto BBQ sauce

Follow along with the full recipe at Keto Diet App.

5. Low-Carb Grilled Beef Liver Kebab

This is for the chili pepper lovers. A flavorful, nourishing, and low-carb meal that takes beef liver to the next level. This Peruvian-inspired marinade is spicy yet a little tangy and so versatile that it can be made with chicken or beef liver.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb calf liver or beef liver
• 2 fresh bird’s eye chilis (or equivalent amount of red or green hot chili of your choice)
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 sprigs fresh parsley

This recipe is not to miss. Check out the full prep and cooking instructions at Yang Nourishing Kitchen.

6. Keto Beef Liver Pate

Keeping it classy with this smooth and rich beef liver pate. Requiring only a handful of ingredients, this delicious recipe is as simple as it gets. Make sure you account for chilling time before you dig in.

Ingredients:

• ½ lb beef liver
• 6 tbsp grass-fed butter
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream

Follow along with this creamy keto beef liver recipe at Cook Me.

7. Hearty Low-Carb Chili with Beef Liver

The perfect recipe to break out on a chilly day. Packed with nutrients and big flavor, this hearty dish is a great way to introduce beef liver to the family.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef liver
• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ lb bacon
• ½ whole onion
• 24 oz water
• 1 ½ cup tomato sauce
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup bone broth
• 1 ½ tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 85 g spinach (optional)

For more on this keto chili recipe, check out the Low Carb Cupboard.

8. Easy Air Fryer Beef Liver

If you have an air fryer at home, this simple and savory recipe is not to miss. A great weeknight option to load up on your vitamins and minerals for that extra boost in brain power and focus.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef liver
• ½ onion sliced (optional)
• Olive oil spray
• 1 tsp salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Follow along for these easy prep and cooking instructions at The Top Meal.

9. Beef Liver with Figs

Rich in B vitamins and iron, this beef liver dish not only strengthens immunity and wellbeing but also delivers delicate flavor and nuance to the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef liver, sliced or cubed
• ¼ cup lemon juice or milk (for soaking)
• 1 slice bacon, roughly chopped
• 4 tbsp ghee
• 1 large onion, chopped or finely sliced
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 10-15 dried figs, seeded and sliced, or roughly chopped
• ½ juicy orang
• ½ tsp sea salt (to taste)
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Dash of balsamic vinegar

Find out more about this great seasonally-inspired recipe here.

10. Low-Carb Beef Liver Pancakes

This recipe is for the spirited chef, serving up a surprising ingredient in a traditional form. Packed with health benefits, these stackable beef liver pancakes also make a great conversation starter.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz raw beef liver
• 3 eggs
• 3 tbsp melted ghee
• few dashes of salt

Follow along with the full recipe at Ash Eats.

10 Low-Carb Beef Liver Recipes: The Bottom Line

Beef liver can be a versatile ingredient to explore at home while providing you and your family with a nutrition-dense meal with long-lasting health benefits.

This organ meat superfood is one of the best sources of macro and micronutrients and can be served up in so many ways, from a spice-forward take on your traditional liver and onions to an easy weeknight kabob.

These low-carb, high-protein beef liver recipes help boost cognition, improve metabolic function, and support reproduction from preconception to development. ^[5] So level up your dietary health by exploring one of our top ten beef liver recipes today!

Article Sources

• 1. Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet for Consumers
• 2. Iron Fact Sheet for Consumers
• 3. Veldhorst MA, Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Westerterp KR. Gluconeogenesis and energy expenditure after a high-protein, carbohydrate-free diet. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Sep;90(3):519-26. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2009.27834. Epub 2009 Jul 29. PMID: 19640952.
• 4. Tardy A-L, Pouteau E, Marquez D, Yilmaz C, Scholey A. Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients. 2020; 12(1):228. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010228
• 5. McGrice M, Porter J. The Effect of Low Carbohydrate Diets on Fertility Hormones and Outcomes in Overweight and Obese Women: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2017 Feb 27;9(3):204. doi: 10.3390/nu9030204. PMID: 28264433; PMCID: PMC5372867.

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