5 Healthy Ground Beef Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

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Ground beef is an affordable, protein-packed ingredient that can be transformed into delicious and healthy meals in no time. Whether you’re looking for low-carb, high-protein, or veggie-loaded options, these five healthy ground beef recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners.

Each recipe is nutrient-dense, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes or less!

Quick Reference Table

Recipe NameCooking TimeType
Healthy Ground Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry20 minLow-Carb
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa & Beef30 minHigh-Protein
Zucchini Noodles with Lean Beef Marinara25 minLow-Carb
Spicy Beef & Black Bean Tacos25 minMexican-Inspired
One-Pan Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet30 minWhole30 & Paleo

Healthy Ground Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry

This low-carb, high-protein stir-fry is loaded with fresh vegetables and coated in a savory garlic-ginger sauce.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook for 5 minutes until browned. Remove excess fat.
  3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds.
  4. Add bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing everything together.
  6. Serve hot over cauliflower rice or brown rice.

Pro Tip: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor!

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa & Beef

These nutrient-packed stuffed peppers are loaded with lean protein, fiber, and wholesome grains.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic for 2 minutes.
  4. Add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
  5. Stir in quinoa, diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  6. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef-quinoa mixture.
  7. Place in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
  8. (Optional) Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake for 5 more minutes until melted.

Pro Tip: Swap quinoa for brown rice or cauliflower rice for different variations.

Zucchini Noodles with Lean Beef Marinara

A low-carb, healthy alternative to spaghetti, featuring zucchini noodles and a homemade beef marinara sauce.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 large zucchini, spiralized
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. While sauce is simmering, sauté zucchini noodles in a separate pan for 2 minutes until slightly tender.
  5. Serve beef marinara over zucchini noodles, topped with Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a spiralizer, use store-bought zucchini noodles!

Spicy Beef & Black Bean Tacos

These protein-packed tacos feature lean ground beef, black beans, and bold spices, making them both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Taco Filling:
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For Serving:
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • ½ cup diced avocado
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook ground beef for 5 minutes, breaking it apart.
  3. Stir in black beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Cook for 5 more minutes.
  4. Warm tortillas and assemble tacos with beef mixture.
  5. Top with avocado, cilantro, and lettuce before serving.

Pro Tip: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb version!

One-Pan Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet

This wholesome, one-pan meal is gluten-free, Whole30-approved, and full of flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large sweet potato, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup spinach

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  4. Add diced sweet potatoes, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Stir in spinach and cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Serve warm with avocado or a fried egg on top.

Pro Tip: Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash for a seasonal twist.

Final Thoughts

Ground beef doesn’t have to be unhealthy or boring! These five healthy recipes are high in protein, loaded with nutrients, and full of flavor, making them perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Try one tonight and enjoy a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal!

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