Print

Healthy Ground Beef Bowls Packed with Flavor and Nutrition

Healthy Ground Beef Bowls Packed with Flavor and Nutrition - Featured Image
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Learn how to make delicious ground beef bowls healthy. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher for less fat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa (for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce or baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar or crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • Juice of half a lime

Substitution tips: If you’re not fond of ground beef, ground turkey or a plant-based ground “meat” works beautifully here. You can swap brown rice for cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb, and leave out cheese or avocado if dairy or fats aren’t your thing.

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. This step always reminds me of Mama Lu’s old iron skillet warming on the stove, ready to turn humble ingredients into something magical.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. The smell of onions cooking always brings me back to those porch-sitting afternoons, shelling peas and listening to stories.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if you prefer a leaner bowl.
  5. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with spices. This is where the flavors start to come alive — a little pinch of this, a dash of that — just like Mama Lu’s way of cooking by heart.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze in the lime juice, stirring to combine. The citrus brightens everything, giving the dish a fresh lift that balances the richness of the beef.
  7. To assemble your bowls, start with a base of warm brown rice or quinoa. Layer on the seasoned beef, then add the black beans, cherry tomatoes, and greens.
  8. Top each bowl with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of cheese if you like. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for that touch of garden-fresh color and flavor.
  9. Serve immediately, maybe with a side of hot sauce or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/ground-beef-bowls-healthy/