Print

Power-Packed Ground Beef High Protein Meals to Fuel Your Day

Power-Packed Ground Beef High Protein Meals to Fuel Your Day - Featured Image
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean is ideal for flavor and protein)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color you like)
  • 1 cup cooked black beans (optional, for extra protein and fiber)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (for a wholesome grain base)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or rendered bacon grease
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Substitution suggestions: If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken ground meat works well. For a grain-free version, omit the quinoa or rice and add extra beans or veggies. And if you want to keep it dairy-free, skip any cheese toppings or pairings.

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil or bacon grease in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step brings out a sweetness I remember from Mama Lu’s kitchen, where patience made all the difference.
  2. Add the minced garlic and diced bell peppers, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and tender.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Be sure to drain excess fat if you’re using a fattier cut—Mama Lu’s hands were always quick to know the right moment to drain and season.
  4. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast in the pan for a minute to deepen their flavor.
  5. Add the drained diced tomatoes and cooked black beans. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry.
  6. In a separate pot, warm your cooked quinoa or brown rice, then fold it into the beef mixture, stirring just until heated through.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve warm, savoring every bite like I did those slow, story-filled evenings back home.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/ground-beef-high-protein-meals/