Description
A quick, healthy, and versatile Lean Ground Beef recipe that’s high in protein and low in fat. Perfectly seasoned and ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy base for tacos, pasta, salads, or meal prep throughout the week.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Once hot, sauté the diced onion for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Push the onions and garlic to one side of the pan and add the ground beef.
- Break up the beef with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika or chili powder.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
- Drain any excess liquid or fat from the skillet if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Use immediately in tacos, pastas, rice bowls, or salads, or let cool for meal prep or freezing.
Notes
For extra-lean beef, add a bit more olive oil for moisture and flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the pan — this helps the beef brown instead of steam.
Deglaze the pan with broth, soy sauce, or wine for richer flavor.
Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 4 oz cooked)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
