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Delicious Ground Beef Low Calorie Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings

Delicious Ground Beef Low Calorie Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings - Featured Image

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Learn how to make delicious ground beef low calorie recipes. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher for lower fat content)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup finely chopped bell peppers (any color)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Substitution tips: If you’re looking to swap out the ground beef, lean ground turkey or chicken work beautifully in these recipes. For broth, homemade or low-sodium store-bought options keep things light. And if you want to go vegetarian, crumbled firm tofu or lentils can be a hearty swap with just a few tweaks.

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This step brings out a sweetness that reminds me of the mornings in our kitchen when Mama Lu would start the day with onions sizzling gently.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown or burn, or you’ll lose that delicate aroma.
  3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces as it browns. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and starts to develop a golden crust. This browning is where the magic happens; it adds depth, just like Mama Lu’s Sunday pot roast.
  4. Drain any excess fat if you want to cut calories further, then stir in the diced tomatoes, bell peppers, beef broth, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow melding of flavors is like the quiet moments on the porch, where everything comes together.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings. If you want a little more kick, a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce can wake things up without adding calories.
  6. Once the mixture thickens and the flavors are well-blended, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro if you like. That touch of green feels like the fresh mountain herbs Mama Lu used to tuck into her dishes.