Simple Ground Beef Recipe: Healthy & Hearty

Simple Ground Beef Recipe: Healthy & Hearty

ByMaria
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Simple Ground Beef Recipe: Healthy & Hearty

I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both simple to make and good for my family’s health. That’s why I’m excited to share this simple ground beef recipe that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. When life gets busy, having go-to healthy meals like this one in your back pocket is a game-changer. This recipe combines lean ground beef with a colorful array of vegetables, creating a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
  • Packed with lean protein and vegetables
  • Budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find
  • Versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
  • Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
  • Naturally gluten-free when served without rice
  • Free from processed ingredients and artificial additives

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup brown rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make simple ground beef recipe healthy

  1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onion, bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini. Mince the garlic and slice the mushrooms. Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process much smoother.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned all over.
  5. Drain any excess fat from the pot, then add the diced bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  6. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  7. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and kidney beans to the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
  8. Add the uncooked brown rice and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
  10. Check the seasoning and add salt to taste if needed. Remember that the kidney beans and broth already contain salt, so taste before adding more.
  11. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  12. Serve the ground beef mixture hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Tips for Best Results

  • For even quicker preparation, use pre-diced vegetables from the grocery store
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can let the mixture simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes
  • To make this recipe even healthier, use extra lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce (check that it’s gluten-free if needed)
  • If you’re short on time, you can cook the rice separately and add it at the end
  • This recipe doubles well for larger families or for meal prep
  • For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
  • Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop

Variations

  • Mexican Twist: Replace the oregano and basil with 1 tbsp chili powder and 1 tsp cumin. Top with avocado and a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
  • Italian Style: Add a can of tomato paste and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Serve over whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.
  • Mediterranean Version: Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
  • Spicy Southwest: Add corn, black beans, and diced jalapeños. Top with shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips.

Storage

  • Let the dish cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated through.
  • You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
  • The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Note that the rice texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
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Simple Ground Beef Recipe: Healthy & Hearty

Simple Ground Beef Recipe: Healthy & Hearty

  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal
Print Recipe

Description

Discover a simple ground beef recipe that’s both healthy and delicious! Packed with veggies and lean protein for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup brown rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onion, bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini. Mince the garlic and slice the mushrooms. Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process much smoother.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned all over.
  5. Drain any excess fat from the pot, then add the diced bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  6. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  7. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and kidney beans to the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
  8. Add the uncooked brown rice and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
  10. Check the seasoning and add salt to taste if needed. Remember that the kidney beans and broth already contain salt, so taste before adding more.
  11. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  12. Serve the ground beef mixture hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Notes

  • For even quicker preparation, use pre-diced vegetables from the grocery store
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can let the mixture simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes
  • To make this recipe even healthier, use extra lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce (check that it’s gluten-free if needed)
  • If you’re short on time, you can cook the rice separately and add it at the end
  • This recipe doubles well for larger families or for meal prep
  • For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
  • Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: simple ground beef recipe healthy

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FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile.
  2. Can I make this recipe without rice? Absolutely! You can serve this dish over cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even as is with a side salad for a lower-carb option.
  3. How can I make this recipe even healthier? To make it healthier, use extra lean ground beef, increase the vegetable portions, reduce the amount of rice, and use low-sodium broth.
  4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

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