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10 Healthy Ground Beef Ideas That Will Transform Your Dinner Routine

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Learn how to make delicious ground beef ideas healthy. 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 (a mix of red and green adds color and sweetness)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots (adds natural sweetness and moisture)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a subtle, smoky depth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth or water (to keep it moist without excess fat)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Substitution suggestions: If you prefer, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for an even leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try crumbled firm tofu or cooked lentils in place of the meat. And if you don’t have fresh bell peppers, frozen diced peppers work just as well — I always keep a bag in the freezer, just like Mama Lu did with her blackberries.

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 soft and translucent. This step always reminds me of Mama Lu’s kitchen, where the aroma of onions cooking was the first sign of a good meal on the way.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Toss in the diced bell peppers and shredded carrots. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender but still hold a little crunch. I love how this mix adds color and a fresh bite, much like the garden harvests Mama Lu would bring inside.
  4. Push the veggies to the side of the pan and add the ground beef to the cleared space. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed, but with lean beef and that splash of broth later, it usually isn’t necessary.
  5. Stir everything together, then add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Pour in the beef broth or water to keep the mixture moist and simmer everything gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This simmering reminds me of the slow Sunday pot roasts Mama Lu would make — it’s where the magic happens.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste as you go — I always find seasoning is where the soul of the dish reveals itself.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro if you have it on hand. Serve warm and watch how this humble dish becomes a family favorite, just like the ones I grew up with.

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