When the day drags on and your stomach starts reminding you it’s dinner time, something like this low-calorie ground beef dinner is exactly what you want. It’s that kind of meal that feels substantial without the sluggish aftermath. The mix of lean beef and vibrant veggies in a light tomato sauce gives you comfort and nutrition in one skillet—no heavy cream or extra butter slowing you down.
I remember the first time I made this recipe; I was juggling emails and thinking about what to cook when the smell of garlic and onions sizzling caught my full attention. It pulled me away from the screen for a moment. The red bell pepper’s bright aroma mingled with earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach, simmering gently in the pan. I wasn’t sure if I’d chopped the zucchini small enough, but honestly, it didn’t matter. This dinner was forgiving and cozy, the kind you can tweak on the fly. I sat down with a bowl, still a little distracted by my phone buzzing, and found myself savoring every spoonful without rushing.
- It balances flavor and lightness, making it easy to enjoy a filling meal without extra calories.
- Ready in about 35 minutes—great for those nights when time isn’t on your side.
- The combination of veggies and lean beef means you’re getting a good mix of nutrients and textures.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
If you’re worried about leftovers, this dish keeps well for a couple of days. Just reheat gently to keep the veggies from turning mushy.
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Low-Calorie Ground Beef Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A healthy and flavorful low-calorie ground beef dinner featuring lean ground beef, vegetables, and a light tomato sauce. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal without excess calories.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, no salt added
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
Stir in diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add chopped fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
Remove from heat and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
In the kitchen, you don’t need anything fancy—just a sturdy skillet and a wooden spoon will do. I usually serve this with a side of rice or crusty bread, but it’s just as good on its own for a lighter meal. Sometimes, I toss in a little extra red pepper flakes if I’m craving heat, or swap spinach for kale when that’s what’s on hand. Mushrooms can be replaced with whatever you have around: eggplant or even chopped carrots add a nice twist, though I haven’t tested all versions yet.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of ground meat? You can, but lean ground beef works best to keep it light and flavorful.
Is this suitable for meal prep? Yes, it holds up well in the fridge for a few days and reheats nicely.
Can I make it spicier? Absolutely. Adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce works great.
Ready to give this low-calorie ground beef dinner a try? It’s simple, satisfying, and made for busy nights. Save the recipe, print it out, or dive right in—your next easy meal is right here.