Print

Delicious Ground Beef Healthy Meals That Fuel Your Day

Delicious Ground Beef Healthy Meals That Fuel Your Day - Featured Image

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (choose 90% lean for less fat)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
  • 1 cup zucchini, diced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Substitutions: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option; swap zucchini for spinach or kale depending on what’s fresh; vegetable broth can replace beef broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly if using plant-based ground meat.

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I remember Mama Lu always saying, “You gotta warm the pan before you add the meat, or it won’t brown right.”
  2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and suddenly you’re right back on that farmhouse porch.
  3. Throw in the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned evenly — about 6-8 minutes. Don’t rush this; good browning is where the flavor lives.
  4. Add the diced bell peppers, shredded carrot, and zucchini to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, just until the vegetables start to soften.
  5. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Uncover the skillet and let any excess liquid reduce for a few minutes if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go — this step always reminds me of Mama Lu’s advice: “Season with your heart, not just your hands.”
  7. Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. That fresh green bit feels like a little nod to the garden she tended outside the kitchen window all those years.