25 Delicious and Healthy Ground Beef Recipes to Make for Dinner

Ground beef is a versatile and affordable staple that can be used to make endless quick, easy, and delicious dinner recipes While beef often gets a bad rap for being high in saturated fat and calories, lean ground beef can absolutely be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation The key is choosing the right lean cuts and preparing it in healthy ways by incorporating lots of vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lean proteins.

In this article, we’ll cover 25 of the very best healthy ground beef recipes to add to your regular dinner rotation. From classic favorites like cheeseburgers, tacos, and meatballs to new recipes to try like stuffed eggplant, salad nachos, and moussaka, there’s something for every taste and occasion here. Many of these recipes can be made in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Others utilize the slow cooker for hands-off cooking. No matter which you choose, these recipes prove that comfort food and healthy eating can go hand-in-hand. Let’s get cooking!

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

When shopping for ground beef with health in mind there are a few key things to look for

• Choose lean or extra lean: Select ground beef that is at least 90% lean to limit saturated fat and calories. Labels like “90% lean” or “10% fat” indicate leanness.

• Look for grass-fed or organic: Grass-fed and organic beef contain more omega-3 fatty acids and are more environmentally friendly.

• Check the color: Bright red indicates fresher meat while brown means it’s older. Always pick the freshest.

• Know your cuts: Ground sirloin is leanest, followed by chuck, then ground beef. Avoid pre-packaged hamburger patties as they often contain fillers and additives.

25 Healthy Ground Beef Dinner Recipes

1. Cheeseburgers

The classic cheeseburger gets a healthy makeover with lean ground beef and just an ounce of real cheddar cheese. Pile it high with veggie toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Serve on a whole wheat bun to make it extra healthy.

2. Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers stuffed with lean ground beef, rice, onions, garlic, and tomatoes make a lighter, veggie-packed version of a comfort food favorite. Sprinkle with a bit of cheese or parsley.

3. Skillet Stroganoff

This 30-minute skillet stroganoff is made healthier with lean ground beef, mushrooms, onions, broth, and protein-enriched egg noodles. A dollop of Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess.

4. Mini Meatloaves

Individual meatloaves bake up quickly and are easier to portion control. Make them with lean beef, oats, egg, and your favorite spices and veggies.

5. Stuffed Eggplant

Slice eggplant lengthwise and stuff with a mixture of lean ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices for a hearty veggie-based dinner.

6. Salad Nachos

Build a healthier nacho bowl by layering seasoned lean ground beef, beans, sliced peppers, onions, salsa, and guacamole over a bed of salad greens instead of chips.

7. Manicotti

Whole-wheat or chickpea pasta shells stuffed with lean ground beef, spinach, and part-skim ricotta make this Italian favorite better-for-you. Top with tomato sauce.

8. Goulash

This cozy one-pot meal is made with lean ground beef, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and protein-enriched pasta such as chickpea elbows. Top with a bit of cheddar.

9. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fill bell peppers with lean ground beef, brown rice, zucchini, garlic, tomatoes, and spices for a healthy and satisfying stuffed pepper.

10. Bolognese

Simmer lean ground beef with veggies like carrots, celery, and onions in a rich tomato sauce. Serve over zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a lighter take.

11. Hamburger Soup

Quick hamburger soup is made healthier with lots of veggies like carrots, potatoes, celery, peas, and beans. Use 90% lean ground beef and seasoning instead of salt.

12. Beef Enchiladas

Fill whole wheat tortillas with seasoned lean ground beef, black beans, corn, peppers, onions, and reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese. Top with enchilada sauce and cilantro.

13. Eggplant Lasagna

This veggie lasagna swaps noodles for sliced eggplant, and uses part-skim ricotta and mozzarella for a lighter take on the classic.

14. Slow Cooker Bolognese

Let your slow cooker do the work for this hearty meat sauce. Use 90% lean ground beef and load it up with carrots, tomatoes, wine, and seasonings.

15. Salisbury Steak

Skip the deep-frying and pan-fry quick Salisbury steak patties made with lean ground beef. Smother with sautéed onions and mushroom gravy.

16. Moussaka

This Greek casserole is made up of layers of eggplant, potato, lean ground lamb, and a light béchamel sauce. It’s a hearty, satisfying meatless Monday dinner.

17. Albóndigas Soup

This Mexican meatball soup features a flavorful tomato broth loaded with carrots, potatoes, zucchini, cilantro, and spice-rubbed beef and rice meatballs.

18. Ginger Meatballs and Sesame Broccoli

For a lighter take on meatballs, use lean ground beef seasoned with fresh ginger, scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Serve over brown rice with roasted broccoli.

19. Cheeseburger Salad

Make cheeseburger salad by topping a bed of greens with lean ground beef patties, onion, pickles, and Cheese Whiz. Drizzle with a bit of special sauce.

20. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Enjoy this Italian classic without all the carbs by swapping regular spaghetti for spiralized zucchini noodles and making lean turkey meatballs.

21. Easy Taco Salad

All the Tex-Mex flavors you love in a lighter salad form. Top greens with seasoned lean ground beef, beans, cheese, guac, pico, and crunchy tortilla strips.

22. Slow Cooker Chili

Let the slow cooker do the work to make this hearty three-bean turkey chili with lean ground beef. Top with avocado and cheese.

23. Cheeseburger Pie

This family favorite lightens up the classic pie with a hash brown crust. Fill it with lean ground beef, veggies, and cheese for a gluten-free dinner option.

24. Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Make these peppers extra healthy by using lean ground turkey instead of beef. Stuff with rice, beans, corn, onion, garlic, and top with enchilada sauce and cotija cheese.

25. Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Skip the rolling and make lean ground turkey cabbage rolls in skillet form. Sauté cabbage, ground turkey, rice, onions, and tomatoes for an easy cabbage roll hack.

Tips for Preparing Healthy Ground Beef Meals

Follow these tips to keep your ground beef meals as healthy as possible:

• Drain excess fat after cooking and blot with paper towels
• Avoid adding extra oils, butter, or cream-based sauces
• Boost flavor with spices, herbs, mustard, lemon, Worcestershire
• Increase veggies and choose whole grains like brown rice or quinoa
• Skip the salty seasonings and add flair with acids and spices
• Lean on beans, lentils, veggies and lean proteins to make meat stretch
• Choose lower-fat cheese options like feta over full-fat cheddar or sour cream

With so many delicious options, from cheeseburger salad to meatball soup, it’s easy to enjoy lean and healthy ground beef any night of the week. Following a few simple guidelines when shopping and cooking with ground beef can help keep saturated fat and calories in check. Use the recipes and tips above to start cooking up lean, nourishing ground beef meals your whole family will love.