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10 Easy and Delicious Ground Beef Lunch Recipes to Power Your Day

10 Easy and Delicious Ground Beef Lunch Recipes to Power Your Day - Featured Image
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Learn how to make delicious ground beef lunch recipes. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean for juiciness, or 90% lean if you prefer less fat)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red or green, or a mix for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that smoky mountain touch)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water (to keep things moist and flavorful)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (adds richness and depth)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon grease (for authentic flavor)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
  • Substitution tip: Swap ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly with lentils instead of meat.

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil or bacon grease in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. I’ve always found that a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet gives the best sear and flavor, just like Mama Lu’s old pan.
  2. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step fills the kitchen with a smell that reminds me of those cozy mountain mornings.
  3. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it burn or it’ll turn bitter.
  4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Let it brown nicely without stirring too much at first; give it 4-5 minutes to develop a nice crust before turning it over.
  5. Once browned, sprinkle the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the meat. Stir well to coat every bit, like seasoning with a pinch of soul as Mama Lu used to say.
  6. Stir in the tomato paste and pour in the beef broth or water. This keeps the mixture juicy and brings all the flavors together. Lower the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remember, good cooking is about tasting and trusting your instincts more than exact measurements.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/ground-beef-lunch-recipes/