10 Healthy Ground Beef Dinner Recipes That’ll Transform Your Weeknight Meals

Ground beef gets a bad rap sometimes but let me tell you – it’s actually one of the most versatile and nutritious proteins you can keep in your kitchen arsenal. When you choose lean cuts and pair them with wholesome ingredients you’re looking at quick satisfying meals that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

I’ve been cooking with ground beef for years and these recipes have become my go-to solutions for those “what’s for dinner?” moments we all face. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need something on the table in 30 minutes flat these healthy ground beef recipes will become your new best friends.

1. Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Bowls

This recipe is pure magic – sweet salty and incredibly satisfying. It’s become my weekly meal prep staple because it tastes even better the next day12.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce
• 1 bunch green onions chopped
• Hot cooked brown or white rice
• Fresh cucumber slices

Instructions:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and season your beef with pepper. Cook it up crumbling into small pieces until it’s nicely browned – this should take about 6-8 minutes. Pro tip: If you want super fine pieces pulse the cooked beef in a food processor 2-3 times2.

Drain any excess grease then add sesame oil garlic and ginger. Stir in that gorgeous combination of brown sugar soy sauce and Sriracha. Let it cook for a few minutes so the sauce really gets absorbed into the meat – trust me this is where the magic happens2.

Add half your green onions and serve over rice with cucumber slices and the remaining green onions as garnish.

2. Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

When you’re craving Chinese takeout but want something healthier and budget-friendly this is your answer. It’s loaded with veggies and has that perfect sweet-savory sauce that coats everything beautifully3.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• Salt and white pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch plus 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions:
Start by mixing your cornstarch and water in a covered container – give it a good shake and set it aside. Combine all your sauce ingredients in a bowl3.

Heat oil in your pan and cook the broccoli for 4-5 minutes until it’s slightly softened but still has some bite. Remove and set aside – we’ll bring it back later3.

Season your beef and cook it with the diced onions over medium-high heat until browned. Drain the grease add your bell peppers and cook for just one more minute3.

Pour in that beautiful sauce mixture and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes then slowly stir in your cornstarch mixture. Keep it bubbling gently until you get the thickness you want3.

Add the broccoli back in reduce heat to low and stir everything together until heated through. Serve over rice and watch everyone’s faces light up.

3. Easy Beef Taco Bowls

Taco Tuesday just got a healthy makeover! These bowls are completely customizable which means everyone in the family can build their perfect meal14.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For assembly:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup kidney beans
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1 small avocado sliced
• 1 large tomato chopped

Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat brown your ground beef breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the onions and garlic cooking until the beef is fully browned and onions are soft4.

Here’s where the flavor really builds – sprinkle all those gorgeous spices over the meat mixture and mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed4.

Now comes the fun part – assembly! Layer rice corn beans cheese avocado and tomatoes in bowls. Top with your seasoned beef and any other fixings your heart desires.

4. Ground Beef Stroganoff

This is comfort food at its finest – creamy rich and so much more budget-friendly than traditional stroganoff made with expensive cuts of beef15.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 packet brown gravy mix (0.87 ounces)
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10 ounces)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 1 bag wide egg noodles (12 ounces)

Instructions:
Get your water boiling for the noodles first – this way everything comes together at the same time5.

In a large skillet cook and crumble your ground beef with onion and all the seasonings until the beef is beautifully browned. Make sure to drain any excess grease – this keeps your sauce from getting too heavy5.

Whisk that gravy mix with cold water until smooth then pour it into your skillet. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until everything’s combined and creamy5.

Let this simmer on medium-low heat while you cook your noodles according to package directions. Pro tip: Add a teaspoon of salt to your pasta water for extra flavor5.

Drain the noodles (don’t rinse them – you want that starch!) add them to your beef mixture along with the parsley and stir until everything’s coated in that luscious sauce.

5. Ultimate Meal Prep Meatballs

These aren’t your average meatballs – they’re packed with nutrition and perfect for making ahead. I love doubling the batch and freezing half for those crazy busy weeks16.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup carrots roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup parsley leaves lightly packed
• 1 small onion peeled and halved
• 1 lb ground beef (grass-fed if possible)
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt to taste

Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Add carrots parsley and onion to your food processor and pulse until finely chopped6.

Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until you have a smooth well-combined mixture. Don’t overprocess – you want it mixed not mushy6.

Using a cookie scoop or your hands portion into 2-tablespoon sized meatballs and place on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through6.

Pro tip: These freeze beautifully! Once cooled pop them in freezer bags and you’ve got protein ready to go for weeks.

6. Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

This is traditional shepherd’s pie with a nutritious twist. The sweet potato topping adds natural sweetness and loads of vitamins17.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 lbs sweet potatoes
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 large onion diced
• 2 large carrots peeled and sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Start by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes. Boil them in salted water for about 20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain then let them steam dry for a minute or two7.

Mash with 2 tablespoons butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper and set aside7.

While potatoes cook brown your ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet. Remove meat and set aside keeping about 1/8 cup of the fat7.

Add remaining butter to the skillet with onions. Cook for 7-8 minutes until soft then add carrots and mushrooms. Cook another 10 minutes until carrots are tender7.

Add herbs and cook 1-2 minutes more. Return beef to pan add Worcestershire sauce then tomato paste. Sprinkle flour over everything and cook 1 minute7.

Add beef broth and cook until thickened about 5-10 minutes. Stir in parsley and peas season to taste7.

Spread sweet potato mixture over the filling and bake at 380°F for 20 minutes then broil 2 minutes until edges are golden. Let it rest 15-20 minutes – this is crucial for it to set properly7.

7. Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

All the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak in an easy low-carb casserole format. This one’s a real crowd-pleaser1.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion sliced
• 1 bell pepper sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup provolone cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet heat olive oil and sauté onions peppers and mushrooms until softened about 8-10 minutes.

Add ground beef and garlic cooking until beef is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.

In a bowl mix softened cream cheese with heavy cream until smooth. Stir this into the beef mixture along with half the provolone.

Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish and top with remaining cheeses. Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8. Zucchini Lasagna

This noodle-free lasagna is a brilliant way to sneak extra veggies into your meal while still getting all that comfort food satisfaction1.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large zucchini sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice zucchini lengthwise and lay on paper towels. Salt lightly and let sit 10 minutes to draw out moisture then pat dry.

Brown ground beef in a large skillet drain grease and stir in marinara sauce. Simmer 5 minutes.

Mix ricotta egg 1 cup mozzarella and Italian seasoning in a bowl.

Layer half the zucchini in a greased 9×13 pan spread ricotta mixture over it add half the meat sauce then repeat layers. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until cheese is golden.

9. Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Hash

This is breakfast-for-dinner at its finest but honestly I eat this any time of day. It’s hearty nutritious and incredibly satisfying1.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 large sweet potatoes diced
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 1 onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 eggs (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook 8-10 minutes until starting to soften.

Add onion and bell pepper cooking another 5 minutes. Push vegetables to one side of pan.

Add ground beef to empty side of pan and cook until browned. Mix with vegetables and add garlic and all spices.

Cook everything together for 5-7 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and flavors are well combined.

If using eggs make wells in the hash and crack eggs into them. Cover and cook until eggs are set to your liking.

10. Ground Beef Stir Fry

This is my go-to when I’m craving takeout but want something healthier and more budget-friendly. The sauce is absolutely divine1.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli snap peas carrots bell peppers)
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:
Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.

Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned breaking it up as it cooks.

Add garlic and ginger cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.

Pour sauce over everything and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – 10 incredible ways to transform humble ground beef into healthy satisfying dinners that’ll have your family coming back for more. The beauty of these recipes is their flexibility – you can easily swap vegetables based on what you have on hand adjust spices to your family’s preferences and most of them are perfect for meal prep.

Remember: The key to healthy ground beef cooking is choosing lean cuts (90/10 or 93/7) draining excess fat and pairing your protein with plenty of vegetables and wholesome grains. These recipes prove that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Whether you’re feeding a family of five or meal prepping for the week ahead these recipes will become your go-to solutions for those “what’s for dinner?” moments we all face. Happy cooking!