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5 Easy Ground Beef Lunch Recipes to Power Your Afternoon

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Learn how to make delicious ground beef lunch. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green works great)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon drippings (if you’re feeling nostalgic)
  • 1 cup cooked rice or crusty bread, for serving
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish

Substitution tips: If you prefer leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken can work, though you might want to add a bit more oil for richness. No beef broth? A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce adds a lovely umami kick. And if you don’t have bell pepper, finely chopped zucchini or mushrooms can bring earthiness and texture.

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil or bacon drippings in a large skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. This step always reminds me of watching Mama Lu’s gentle hands coax sweetness out of humble onions.
  2. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, stirring for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and tender.
  3. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the caramelization of the meat is where a lot of that deep flavor comes from.
  4. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the spices, letting them toast slightly in the skillet’s heat.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste, mixing thoroughly to blend it with the beef and veggies. Pour in the beef broth or water, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom—those little bits carry the soul of the dish.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer gently for 5-7 minutes. This melds the flavors and softens the bell pepper just right.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sometimes, a pinch more salt or a dash of black pepper brings it all home.
  8. Serve hot over cooked rice or alongside warm, crusty bread. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and brightness—like a little reminder of the mountain herbs Mama Lu used to tuck into her dishes.

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