7 Delicious Ways to Use Lean Ground Beef

Lean ground beef is a dinnertime hero: It’s versatile, it’s economical, it’s packed with protein and a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc – and best of all, it’s tasty and satisfying. Though there’s nothing wrong with simply fashioning it into burgers, here are 7 very different lean ground beef recipes to widen your weeknight repertoire.

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1. Mediterranean Hummus Bowls

Courtesy of Budget Bytes

The Mediterranean diet generally features lots of fresh vegetables – and this bowl is no exception. Flavorful, simply seasoned ground beef shares space with hummus, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and more, for a colorful bowl full of varying textures and flavors. It’s flexible, too, so add or subtract any of the veggies to incorporate what you have on hand.

Try this recipe from Budget Bytes.

2. Lean Ground Beef-Marinara Stuffed Portobellos

Courtesy of Healthy Seasonal Recipes

If pizza and stuffed peppers had a baby, it would be these beef- and cheese-stuffed portobello mushrooms. They’re rich and meaty, brimming with Italian seasonings, and on the table in 35 minutes. 

Try this recipe from Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

3. All-American Lean Beef Chili

Courtesy of Brown Eyed Baker

If there were a comfort food hall of fame, chili would be in it (hey, why isn’t there?). Though it has a rep as an indulgent dish, chili can be very healthy, incorporating lean ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and, of course, plenty of spices. Top these bowls with chopped avocado and fresh cilantro for even more good nutrition.

Try this recipe from Brown Eyed Baker.

4. Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps

Courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats

Korean food is trending and we’re here for it. Season lean ground beef with garlic, tamari, coconut sugar, sesame oil, and a few other ingredients, wrap it all in crisp lettuce leaves, and you get a quick, super-flavorful meal that you can eat with your hands. 

Try this recipe from Iowa Girl Eats.

5. Spaghetti Squash Bolognese

Courtesy of Paleo Running Momma

Who doesn’t love a bowl of noodles with a rich, meaty sauce? Now you can dig into that but with a low-carb twist, thanks to fun, good-for-you spaghetti squash. This recipe is Whole30-compliant – but if you don’t care about that, feel free to top it with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.

Try this recipe from Paleo Running Momma.

6. Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl

Courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything

Here’s another low-carb recipe that’s anything but low on flavor. “Egg roll in a bowl” is the best part of the egg roll – the filling. Made with ground beef, shredded cabbage, egg, soy sauce, and sriracha (if you enjoy heat), it’s a nourishing and super-tasty meal that’s on the table in 15 minutes flat. Use packaged coleslaw mix as a convenient shortcut for the cabbage.

Try this recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything.

7. Lean Ground Beef-Stuffed Peppers

Courtesy of Once Upon a Chef

Here’s a meaty dish that also supplies a generous amount of veggies. You get a whole bell pepper all to yourself, stuffed with a mix of lean ground beef, rice, onions, garlic, and tomato sauce, all richly flavored with plenty of spices. Topped with cheese and baked until warm and melty, it’s a favorite you’ll want in your regular dinnertime rotation.

Try this recipe from Once Upon a Chef.

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