Extra lean ground beef is a great choice if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular ground beef. It contains less fat and fewer calories, making it a good option for those who are mindful of their diet. Here are a few delicious ways to prepare and cook extra lean ground beef:
1. Classic Beef Burgers
- Ingredients: Extra lean ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and your favorite burger toppings.
- Instructions: Mix the ground beef with the seasonings, form into patties, and grill or pan-fry until fully cooked. Serve with whole-grain buns and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado.
2. Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Ingredients: Extra lean ground beef, bell peppers, onion, garlic, rice or quinoa, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
- Instructions: Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. Mix with cooked rice or quinoa and diced tomatoes. Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.
3. Beef Tacos
- Ingredients: Extra lean ground beef, taco seasoning, tortillas, and your favorite taco toppings.
- Instructions: Cook the ground beef with taco seasoning. Serve in warm tortillas with toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa.
4. Healthy Meatballs
- Ingredients: Extra lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients, form into meatballs, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. Serve with marinara sauce over whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles.
5. Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
- Ingredients: Extra lean ground beef, mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots), soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Instructions: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then add the vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender. Add soy sauce to taste and serve over brown rice or quinoa.
Tips for Cooking Extra Lean Ground Beef
- Avoid Overcooking: Extra lean ground beef can dry out quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Cook until it’s just done to retain moisture.
- Add Moisture: Incorporate ingredients like onions, tomatoes, or low-fat cheese to keep the meat moist.
- Season Well: Since lean meat can be less flavorful, make sure to season it generously.
