Description
A quick, healthy, and versatile lean ground beef recipe seasoned with onion, garlic, and spices—perfect as a protein-packed base for tacos, rice bowls, pasta, or casseroles.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (90% or higher)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and warm for 30 seconds.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Push onions and garlic to the side of the skillet, add ground beef, and break it up with a wooden spoon.
- Stir together and season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess liquid if needed.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and remove from heat.
- Use immediately in tacos, pasta, rice bowls, or let cool and store for later use.
Notes
Swap seasonings for taco spice, Italian herbs, or curry powder for variation.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Mix with tomato sauce or broth for a saucier skillet meal.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep moist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound cooked beef mixture
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
