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Healthy Ground Beef Dinner Ideas That Will Delight Your Taste Buds

Healthy Ground Beef Dinner Ideas That Will Delight Your Taste Buds - Featured Image

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

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher for less fat)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green for color and sweetness)
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes, drained)
  • 1 cup baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a warm, smoky depth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt to taste (start with about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth or water (to keep it moist)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Substitution suggestions: If you want to cut down on red meat, swap half the beef for ground turkey or lentils. For a vegetarian twist, replace beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu. And if you’re avoiding nightshades, skip the tomatoes and bell peppers and use chopped mushrooms or carrots instead.

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma — don’t let it brown or burn, or it’ll turn bitter.
  3. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if you prefer a leaner dish.
  4. Stir in the diced bell peppers and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften but still hold some bite.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes and baby spinach, stirring gently until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  7. Pour in the beef broth or water, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet. Let everything simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender without turning mushy.
  8. Give the skillet a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. If it feels dry, add a splash more broth or water.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.

“Mama Lu always said, ‘Good food needs time and attention — not rush and fuss.’ Taking that slow simmer lets the flavors deepen and brings the whole meal together in a way that feels like a warm embrace.”