Healthy Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner
Are you looking for delicious and healthy ground beef recipes that won't leave you feeling sluggish? Look no further! Ground beef, when prepared correctly, can be a lean and protein-packed addition to a healthy diet. This post will explore several flavorful and nutritious recipes that are perfect for a weeknight dinner. We'll focus on minimizing added fats and maximizing the use of fresh vegetables and healthy spices.
Lean Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Zoodles
This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It's also a great way to sneak in extra vegetables!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or higher)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 (16 oz) package zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra spice
Instructions:
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in bell peppers and broccoli and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey/maple syrup, and cornstarch.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Add zoodles and sesame oil. Stir to combine and simmer until the sauce thickens and the zoodles are tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Serve immediately and garnish with red pepper flakes if desired.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili
This hearty chili is perfect for a chilly evening. Sweet potatoes add sweetness and extra nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the beef: Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in sweet potato and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Simmer the chili: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream (in moderation), or avocado.
Tips for Healthy Ground Beef Cooking:
- Choose lean ground beef: Opt for ground beef with a higher percentage of lean meat (90/10 or higher).
- Drain excess fat: After browning the beef, be sure to drain off any excess grease.
- Load up on vegetables: Add plenty of vegetables to your recipes to increase fiber and nutrients.
- Use healthy cooking methods: Baking, grilling, and stir-frying are healthier alternatives to frying.
- Season generously: Herbs and spices add flavor without adding extra calories or unhealthy fats.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity, you can create countless healthy and delicious ground beef dinners. Remember to adjust seasonings and ingredients to your liking! Enjoy!
