Learn how to make delicious ground beef healthy recipes for dinner. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Author:Jenny
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Cooking
Cuisine:International
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher for a healthier dish)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, shredded or finely diced
1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (optional, but adds moisture and umami)
1 cup diced bell pepper (any color you like)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, no salt added
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth or water
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for freshness)
Substitution suggestion: For a leaner option, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. I remember Mama Lu saying, “You’ve got to coax the flavor out with patience, not rush.” It’s a lesson I never forgot.
Add the minced garlic, shredded carrot, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. The carrot adds a subtle sweetness that balances the beef perfectly.
Push the veggies to the side and add the ground beef. Break it up with your spoon or spatula, letting it brown evenly. Cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. If you’re using mushrooms, stir them in now to cook alongside the beef, adding moisture and a deep earthiness.
Once the beef is browned, sprinkle the smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to coat everything in those warm spices. This is where the magic happens, just like when Mama Lu would sprinkle her secret seasoning over a pot roast.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. That slow simmer is where the dish finds its heart.
Remove the lid, give it a taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the mixture seems too wet, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Stir in fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving to add a bright, fresh note. It’s a small step, but one that brings the dish full circle—like the fresh herbs Mama Lu picked from her garden every summer.