5 Simple and Nutritious Ground Beef Recipes for a Tasty Dinner

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can make your dinner both flavorful and nutritious. If you’re looking for ground beef dinner ideas that are not only delicious but also healthy, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll share 5 simple and nutritious ground beef recipes for a tasty dinner, perfect for anyone who wants quick beef dinners that are easy to prepare. These recipes are also great for healthy beef meal prep, allowing you to plan your meals without sacrificing flavor. Let’s dive into these mouth-watering dishes and get cooking!

Meta Description: 5 Simple and Nutritious Ground Beef Recipes for a Tasty Dinner that are quick, delicious, and healthy. Perfect for easy ground beef meals and meal prep.

1. Classic Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This easy ground beef meal combines the goodness of lean ground beef with fresh vegetables, creating a nutritious and tasty dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, and cook while breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s thoroughly browned.
2. Stir in garlic, onion, and bell pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add broccoli, soy sauce, and ground ginger, cooking until vegetables are tender, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Why It’s Nutritious: This dish provides a good balance of protein and fiber, thanks to the vegetables. It’s an excellent choice for quick beef dinners that don’t compromise on nutrition.

2. Italian-Style Beef and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

For a delicious twist on stuffed peppers, this recipe pairs ground beef with quinoa for a nutritious ground beef recipe that’s full of Italian flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place bell pepper halves in a baking dish.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s fully cooked.
3. Stir in cooked quinoa, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Spoon the mixture into the pepper halves and top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the peppers are soft and cooked through. Serve warm.

Why It’s Nutritious: Quinoa adds a boost of fiber and essential amino acids, making this dish a complete source of protein. It’s also low in carbs, fitting perfectly into healthy beef meal prep routines.

3. Mexican Beef and Black Bean Skillet

This skillet meal is packed with flavor, featuring ground beef, black beans, and spices for a truly satisfying ground beef dinner idea.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s fully cooked.
2. Add black beans, corn, tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes or until heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with rice or tortillas if desired.

Why It’s Nutritious: Black beans add fiber and plant-based protein, making this dish not only filling but also beneficial for digestion and heart health.

4. Healthy Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

These meatballs are a healthier take on a classic dish, using lean ground beef and whole ingredients for a nutritious ground beef recipe that’s ideal for families.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, and parsley. Form into meatballs.
3. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
4. In a saucepan, heat tomato sauce and garlic. Add meatballs and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Serve over whole-grain pasta or spaghetti squash.

Why It’s Nutritious: This dish is packed with protein, while the tomato sauce adds a dose of lycopene, an antioxidant known to support heart health.

5. Asian-Inspired Lettuce Wraps with Ground Beef

These refreshing lettuce wraps are perfect for a light dinner or an appetizer. They offer an excellent way to enjoy easy ground beef meals with an Asian flair.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in garlic, water chestnuts, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
3. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves. Garnish with green onions.
5. Serve immediately.

Why It’s Nutritious: Lettuce wraps reduce the carb content, making this dish a lighter option that’s still filling due to the protein-rich ground beef.

Nutritional Information Table

FAQs

1. Can I substitute ground beef with other types of meat? Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner alternative.
2. How do I store leftover ground beef dishes? Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
3. Are these recipes suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! These healthy beef meal prep options can be cooked in advance and enjoyed throughout the week.

Conclusion

With these 5 simple and nutritious ground beef recipes for a tasty dinner, you have plenty of options to enjoy flavorful and healthy meals. From quick beef dinners like stir-fries to more elaborate dishes like stuffed peppers, there’s something here for every taste. Try these recipes, and bring a new level of deliciousness and nutrition to your weeknight dinners!

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/471/meat-and-poultry/beef/ground