Healthy Ground Beef Recipes with Whole Grains – Easy Meals

Discover healthy ground beef recipes with whole grains that are nutritious and simple to make. Perfect for balanced dinners you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Why You’ll Love It

Healthy ground beef recipes with whole grains combine the satisfying taste of beef with the nutritious benefits of grains like quinoa or brown rice. These meals are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a perfect choice for wholesome dinners. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, these recipes are both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (substitute ground turkey for leaner option)
• 1 cup quinoa (can use brown rice or farro)
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (can use avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water until water runs clear to remove bitterness.
2. Combine quinoa and beef broth in a medium pot; bring it to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
3. While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet; cook thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no pink remains.
5. Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture, then stir in chopped tomatoes. Simmer for another 5 minutes allowing flavors to combine.
6. Mix cooked quinoa into the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir everything well and cook together for 2 more minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Expert Tips

Use lean or extra-lean ground beef for a healthier dish. To save time, cook quinoa in bulk ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you prefer spicier flavors, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. Watch for doneness when browning beef to avoid dryness—cook just until no pink remains.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe also freezes well; freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

• Vegan: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure broth is gluten-free and stick to quinoa or rice.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
• Refined Sugar-Free: No added sugars are used here, making it suitable for sugar-free diets.

FAQ

• Can I substitute ground beef with other meats in these healthy ground beef recipes?
  Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well and lowers fat content while keeping protein high.
• What whole grains work best with ground beef?
  Quinoa, brown rice, farro, and barley all pair great with ground beef and add fiber and nutrients.
• How do I make these recipes lower in calories?
  Use leaner beef or plant-based alternatives, reduce oil, and load up with more vegetables.
• Are these ground beef recipes quick to prepare?
  Yes, many of these meals can be made in under 45 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Can these recipes be meal prepped ahead?
  Absolutely! They store well in the fridge and freeze nicely, making them great for prepping meals in advance.

We hope you enjoy these healthy ground beef recipes with whole grains! Please leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your favorite variations with us.