Amazing Ground Beef: 30 Min Flavorful Meal

Hey there, food lovers! Daniel here, the guy behind Reciqa. You know, cooking for me has always been about more than just whipping up a meal; it’s about those comforting moments, connecting with people, and making memories right there at the kitchen table. I started Reciqa because I wanted to share that feeling with all of you, showing that simple, tasty recipes can truly bring joy to everyday life. Whether it’s a quick weeknight fix, a little something sweet, or even a healthier option, my goal is to make cooking fun and rewarding. Today, we’re diving into a fantastic dish that I think you’re going to absolutely love: Ground Beef with Vegetables. It’s seriously a lifesaver on those busy nights!

Why This Ground Beef Recipe is a Weeknight Winner

Seriously, you are going to LOVE this ground beef dish for so many reasons! It’s the perfect solution when you’re rushing around and need something delicious on the table fast. You get a fantastic meal that’s bursting with flavor without a ton of fuss. Plus, it’s a really smart way to get a balanced meal in without feeling like you’re sacrificing taste or spending hours in the kitchen. It truly ticks all the boxes for a busy household!

Quick Preparation for Busy Evenings

When the clock is ticking, this recipe is your best friend. We’re talking about a super speedy prep time that’s only about 15 minutes. Then, it cooks up in just another 25 minutes. That means you can have a wholesome, satisfying meal ready in under an hour, giving you more time back for yourself or your family. No more takeout menus on Tuesdays!

Flavor Packed with Simple Spices

Don’t let the simplicity fool you – this dish is packed with flavor! We’re using a really straightforward blend of spices that you probably already have in your pantry. Chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika all come together to give the ground beef and veggies a warm, savory kick that’s absolutely delicious. It’s just enough to make things interesting without being complicated.

A Healthier Approach to Ground Beef Dishes

Forget those heavy, greasy ground beef meals. This recipe uses lean ground beef, which is a great source of protein, and loads it up with colorful veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. It’s naturally lower in carbs, making it a fantastic option for keeping things balanced and feeling good about what you’re eating. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your well-being! For more on lean protein sources, check out this guide to lean protein.

Essential Ingredients for Your Ground Beef with Vegetables

Alright, let’s get down to business and gather everything you need for this delicious Ground Beef with Vegetables! It’s all about simple ingredients coming together to make something truly special. Don’t worry if you don’t have every single spice; you can adjust based on what you’ve got, but this blend is pretty fantastic. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process super smooth, so let’s get our mise en place sorted!

Quantity	Ingredient	Preparation
1 lb.	Lean Ground Beef (90% lean or ground turkey)	(No specific prep needed for the meat itself, just have it ready)
1	Bell Pepper (any color)	Finely diced
1 small	Zucchini	Finely diced or grated
1 small	Onion	Finely diced
1 tbsp.	Chili Powder	(Spice)
1 tsp.	Cumin	(Spice)
1 tsp.	Dried Oregano	(Spice)
1 tsp.	Garlic Powder	(Spice)
1 tsp.	Paprika	(Spice)
1.5 tsp.	Salt	(To taste, adjust as needed)
1/2 tsp.	Pepper	(To taste, adjust as needed)
1/4 cup	Water	(For simmering)
1/4 cup	Salsa	(Your favorite kind works!)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ground Beef with Vegetables

Alright, let’s get this delicious meal cooking! It’s really not complicated at all, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up something so satisfying. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic dinner ready in no time. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar, even on a crazy Tuesday night.

Preparing Your Ground Beef and Vegetables

First things first, let’s get those veggies chopped up nice and fine. Grab your bell pepper, zucchini, and onion and dice them up small; this helps them cook evenly and blend into the dish beautifully. While you’re doing that, get a pan heated over medium heat. Drizzle in a little olive oil – about two tablespoons should do it. Then, toss in your ground beef, along with the salt and pepper. We’re going to brown that meat up!

Building the Flavor Profile for Your Ground Beef

Once your ground beef is nicely browned, it’s time to bring in the flavor party! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, and paprika right over the meat. Give it all a good stir. Let those spices toast with the beef for about one to two minutes. This step is key – it really wakes up the spices and makes them taste incredible, infusing that wonderful savory aroma throughout your pan.

Simmering to Perfection

Now, we’re going to add the liquids. Pour in the 1/4 cup of water and the 1/4 cup of your favorite salsa. Give everything a good stir to combine. Reduce the heat down to low, pop a lid on (or just let it simmer uncovered if you prefer a thicker sauce), and let it gently simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This is where all those flavors really meld together. Stir it occasionally, and if it looks like it’s getting a little dry, just add another tablespoon of water. Before you serve, give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. You want this ground beef dish to be just right!

Tips for the Best Ground Beef with Vegetables

Making this ground beef dish is pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can make it even better! Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust seasonings as you go – that’s the real secret to making any recipe your own. And remember, using good quality ingredients always makes a difference. These small things really elevate the final dish and make it a true standout.

Choosing Your Ground Beef

For this recipe, I really like to use a lean ground beef, like 90% lean. It gives you that great beefy flavor without being too greasy. If you can’t find that, don’t sweat it! You can always drain off any excess fat after browning the meat. Ground turkey works great too if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Vegetable Prep Matters

When you’re dicing up your veggies, try to get them pretty uniform in size. This makes sure they all cook at the same rate and blend together nicely in the pan. Nobody wants a giant chunk of onion when they’re expecting a bite of tender pepper! Small, even pieces are the way to go here for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef with Vegetables

Got questions about this easy ground beef dish? I’ve got answers! It’s super versatile, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to your liking. Here are a few things folks often ask:

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! While lean ground beef is fantastic here, feel free to swap it out. Ground turkey or even ground chicken works wonderfully. You could even try ground pork if you’re feeling adventurous, though it might change the fat content a bit.

What are good serving suggestions for this ground beef dish?

This dish is awesome on its own, but it’s also great served over rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it low-carb. It’s also delicious scooped into lettuce wraps or served with a side of your favorite salad. It really is that flexible!

Storage and Reheating Your Ground Beef Dish

This ground beef with vegetables is fantastic as leftovers, and it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors really meld together! To store it, let it cool down a bit first, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can do it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave. If it seems a little dry, a splash of water or broth can help bring it back to life. Just make sure it’s heated through completely for safety!

Storage Method	Duration
Airtight container in refrigerator	3-4 days
Reheat on stovetop (low heat) or microwave	Until heated through

Nutritional Estimate for Ground Beef with Vegetables

Just a heads-up, these nutritional numbers are estimates, and they can wiggle around a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use, especially the type of salsa and fat content of your ground beef. But this should give you a pretty good idea of what you’re working with! It’s great to know you’re getting a good dose of protein and keeping those carbs low with this dish.

Nutrient	Estimate Per Serving
Calories	187 kcal
Protein	15 g
Fat	12 g
Carbohydrates	3 g

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