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A protein-packed ground beef plate with vegetables for a healthy meal.

Classic Protein-Packed Ground Beef Supper

This classic protein-packed ground beef supper is a hearty and economical meal. It combines lean ground beef with savory spices, diced tomatoes, and your choice of economical vegetables for a satisfying and easy-to-prepare dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1-2 lbs Ground Beef leaner cuts or most affordable option
  • 1 medium Onion finely diced
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 14.5 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes can, undrained
  • 1 cup Broth or Water
  • 1-2 cups Economical Vegetables e.g., frozen mixed vegetables, canned corn, or diced potatoes/carrots
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Oregano
  • 0.5 tsp Paprika
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons Cooking Oil vegetable, canola, or olive oil

Optional Stretchers

  • 1 can Canned Lentils rinsed
  • 1 cup Cooked Rice/Quinoa/Unflavored Oats

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic as your first step.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding oil if needed for lean beef, then brown the ground beef, breaking it up, and drain any excess fat.
  • Add diced onion to the browned beef and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened; then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to toast the spices for about 1 minute.
  • Pour in the undrained canned diced tomatoes and broth or water, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  • If using, stir in canned lentils or cooked grains at this stage.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and sauce thickens.
  • While the beef mixture simmers, prepare your chosen economical vegetable sides according to package directions.
  • Serve the ground beef mixture alongside your prepared economical sides.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the spices. This recipe is highly versatile; feel free to experiment with different spices or vegetables based on what you have on hand.