11 Lean Ground Beef Meals That Support Weight Loss Goals
Ground beef doesn’t have to derail your healthy eating plans when you choose lean cuts and smart cooking methods. These satisfying dinner recipes prove you can enjoy hearty, flavorful meals while staying on track.
Each recipe packs plenty of protein and vegetables to keep you full and energized without excess calories.
01. Homestyle Beef Chili
A hearty, protein-packed chili that’s perfect for meal prep and freezing. This classic comfort food delivers bold flavors while keeping calories in check.
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7), 1 large onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed), 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 cups beef broth, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Homestyle Beef Chili
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean and healthy.
2. Add diced onion to the beef and cook until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant throughout the pot.
3. Add chili powder, cumin, and paprika, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their full flavor potential.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, both beans, and beef broth. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened to your desired consistency.
02. Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Fluffy baked sweet potatoes topped with savory beef chili create the perfect balanced meal. The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with smoky, spiced ground beef.
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes, 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 1 chipotle pepper in adobo (minced), 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ cup beef broth, ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped).
How To Make Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
1. Pierce sweet potatoes all over with a fork and bake at 425°F for 45-50 minutes until tender when squeezed gently. Let cool slightly before handling.
2. While potatoes bake, brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon until cooked through, about 6 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed.
3. Add onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, and chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic.
4. Add diced tomatoes, minced chipotle pepper, and beef broth. Simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Cut open baked sweet potatoes lengthwise and fluff flesh with a fork. Top each potato with chili mixture and sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving immediately.
03. Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs
Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce all day long. This hands-off approach delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort required.
Ingredients: 1½ pounds lean ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti.
How To Make Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs
1. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Roll mixture into 24 evenly-sized meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you work for easy transfer.
3. Pour marinara sauce into your slow cooker and stir in Italian seasoning. Gently nestle meatballs into the sauce, making sure they’re mostly covered.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender. About 15 minutes before serving, cook spaghetti according to package directions.
5. Serve meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.
04. Healthy Beef Enchilada Bake
All the flavors of beef enchiladas in an easy casserole format. This veggie-loaded dish satisfies Mexican food cravings without the extra calories from frying.
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 bell pepper (diced), 1 onion (diced), 1 cup corn kernels, 1 can black beans (drained), 8 corn tortillas, 1 cup enchilada sauce, 1 cup reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 1 teaspoon cumin.
How To Make Healthy Beef Enchilada Bake
1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains, about 6 minutes. Add diced bell pepper and onion, cooking until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes more.
2. Stir in corn, black beans, and cumin, cooking for 2 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and let mixture cool slightly while you prepare the baking dish.
3. Cut corn tortillas into strips and layer half in the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread beef mixture evenly over tortillas, then top with remaining tortilla strips.
4. Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with Mexican cheese blend. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
5. Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh cilantro.
05. Greek-Style Beef Gyros
Seasoned ground beef shaped into a loaf and baked until perfectly tender. Sliced thin and served in pita with cool tzatziki sauce for an authentic Greek experience.
Ingredients: 1½ pounds lean ground beef, 1 small onion (finely minced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried marjoram, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 4 pita breads, 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 cucumber (grated and drained), 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
How To Make Greek-Style Beef Gyros
1. Mix ground beef, minced onion, garlic, oregano, marjoram, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined. Press mixture firmly into a greased 9×5 loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.
2. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest for 10 minutes before removing from pan to allow juices to redistribute.
3. While meat cooks, make tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Slice the cooked beef loaf as thinly as possible using a sharp knife for the most authentic texture and presentation.
5. Warm pita breads and fill each with sliced beef and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Add diced tomatoes and red onion if desired.
06. Lemon Garlic Beef Meatballs with Orzo
Light, flavorful meatballs served over lemony orzo pasta with a creamy yogurt topping. This Mediterranean-inspired dish feels elegant but comes together quickly on busy weeknights.
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 cup orzo pasta, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 lemon (juiced and zested), 3 tablespoons olive oil, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Lemon Garlic Beef Meatballs with Orzo
1. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, half the minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into 20 small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter each.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 8 minutes total, then transfer to a plate.
3. Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining the orzo completely.
4. Make lemon-garlic vinaigrette by whisking together lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining garlic, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Return meatballs to skillet and cook 3-4 minutes until heated through. Toss hot orzo with half the vinaigrette and pasta water if needed.
6. Stir remaining vinaigrette into Greek yogurt. Serve meatballs over orzo, topped with lemony yogurt sauce and fresh parsley for brightness.
07. One-Pan Chili Mac Skillet
Comfort food mashup combining chili and mac and cheese in one satisfying skillet. Poblano peppers add just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming.
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 poblano pepper (diced), 1 onion (diced), 2 cups elbow macaroni, 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make One-Pan Chili Mac Skillet
1. Brown ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon until no pink remains, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add diced poblano pepper and onion to the beef, cooking until vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in chili powder and cumin.
3. Add uncooked elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
4. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. The mixture should be slightly saucy.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover for 2-3 minutes to melt cheese, then serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
08. Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a comforting soup format. This one-pot meal comes together faster than traditional stuffed peppers with less cleanup required.
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef, 2 bell peppers (any color, diced), 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup cooked white rice, 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 4 cups beef broth, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Break apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
2. Add diced bell peppers and onion to the beef, cooking until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Stir in cooked rice and simmer 5 more minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt slightly from the heat, creating a creamy finish.
09. Fiber-Rich Bean and Beef Sloppy Joes
Classic sloppy joes get a healthy makeover with added beans for extra fiber and protein. This lighter version still delivers all the messy, satisfying goodness you remember.
Ingredients: ¾ pound lean ground beef, 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 1 onion (diced), 1 bell pepper (diced), ¼ cup tomato paste, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 6 whole wheat hamburger buns, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Fiber-Rich Bean and Beef Sloppy Joes
1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes. The reduced amount still provides plenty of meaty flavor.
2. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the beef, cooking until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 6-7 minutes for best flavor development.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it darkens slightly and becomes fragrant. This step intensifies the tomato flavor throughout the dish.
4. Add kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, and ¼ cup water. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve on toasted whole wheat buns. The beans add heartiness while boosting fiber content significantly.
10. Quick Weeknight Meat Sauce with Spaghetti
Homemade meat sauce that’s faster than opening a jar and tastes infinitely better. This recipe makes enough for two meals, so freeze half for busy nights ahead.
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz), 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 pound spaghetti, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Quick Weeknight Meat Sauce with Spaghetti
1. Brown ground beef in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a wooden spoon until cooked through completely, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add diced onion to the beef and cook until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it darkens and becomes aromatic. This concentrates the tomato flavor beautifully.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
6. Toss hot pasta with meat sauce, adding pasta water if needed to achieve your preferred consistency. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
11. Loaded Sweet Potato Chili Bowls
Nutrient-dense sweet potatoes become the perfect vessel for hearty beef chili. This colorful meal provides sustained energy while satisfying your comfort food cravings completely.
Ingredients: 4 large sweet potatoes, 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 onion (diced), 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), 1 can black beans (drained), 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 cup beef broth, ¼ cup green onions (sliced), ½ cup shredded cheese, 1 avocado (diced).
How To Make Loaded Sweet Potato Chili Bowls
1. Pierce sweet potatoes all over with a fork and bake at 425°F for 45-50 minutes until very tender when squeezed gently. Let cool until safe to handle.
2. While potatoes bake, brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until no pink remains, about 6 minutes. Break apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add diced onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in chili powder and cumin, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Cut baked sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and fluff flesh with a fork. Top each half with chili, then garnish with green onions, shredded cheese, and diced avocado for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
These lean ground beef recipes prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Each dish combines protein-rich beef with nutritious vegetables and smart cooking techniques.
Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for tonight’s dinner, these recipes make it easy to stay on track with your wellness goals.
