30 Healthy Ground Beef Recipes
Lighten up your dinner without skimping on taste thanks to these satisfying ground beef recipes.
1/30
Zucchini Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
We plant zucchini every year and always seem to have more than we can use! This hearty zucchini lasagna is a delicious way to use an abundant crop. —Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 273 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
2/30
Ground Beef Stir-Fry
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a quick, easy hamburger stir-fry that uses ground meat instead of the traditional beef strips. It has a nice sauce and is different enough to feel like a treat for the taste buds! —Kathi and John Horst, Westfield, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 399 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
3/30
Lettuce-Wrap Burgers
From the Recipe Creator:
These fresh flavors blend like a dream. It's a snap to throw the wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like. —Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 wraps: 252 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
4/30
Spaghetti Squash Boats
From the Recipe Creator:
With a bounty of fresh ingredients, this spaghetti squash boats recipe makes a fun summer dish. Spaghetti squash has an interesting texture that’s delightfully different. —Vickey Lorenger, Detroit, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed squash half: 335 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 852mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 10g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
5/30
Barley Beef Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
Even my 3-year-old loves this family-favorite beef barley skillet. It's very filling, inexpensive and packed with veggies. It's also really good spiced up with chili powder, cayenne or a dash of Tabasco. —Kit Tunstall, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 400 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 10g fiber), 30g protein.
6/30
Italian Vegetable Beef Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My sweet father-in-law, Pop Pop, would bring this chunky soup to our house when we were under the weather. We like it so much, we take it to our own friends who need comfort. It always does the trick. —Sue Webb, Reisterstown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 159 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
7/30
Freezer Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
I love burritos, but the frozen ones are high in salt and chemicals. So I created these. They're wonderful to have on hand for quick dinners or late-night snacks—I've even had them for breakfast! —Laura Winemiller, Delta, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 345 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
8/30
Slow-Cooker Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty slow-cooker chili can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It's so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 260 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 712mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
9/30
Cheeseburger Macaroni
From the Recipe Creator:
Cheeseburger macaroni is the ultimate simple and fulfilling dinner that uses items I typically have in my cupboard. It's so easy to prepare and cooking all in one skillet makes it a snap for clean up. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 338 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/30
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
Here is one of my favorite ways to cook and enjoy cabbage. It has all the good flavor of regular cabbage rolls, but it's a lot less bother to make. In fact, it's a one-pot meal! —Mrs. Bernard Snow, Lewiston, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 291 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
11/30
Ground Beef Gyros
From the Recipe Creator:
If your family likes gyros as much as mine, they'll love this easy version that's made with ground beef instead of lamb. I found the recipe in a newspaper and adapted it to fit our tastes. They're very much like the ones served at a local restaurant. A cucumber yogurt sauce adds an authentic finishing touch. —Ruth Stahl, Shepherd, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 gyro: 327 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
12/30
Pressure-Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
Traditional stuffed peppers get a southwestern twist in this easy recipe. The filling also makes a delicious meat loaf that we even like cold as a sandwich with Mexican blend or cheddar cheese, mayo and salsa. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 319 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
13/30
Spiced Butternut Squash Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
I love how a hint of heat with a touch of sweetness from the Gustus Vitae spicy chocolate cinnamon cane sugar adds another layer of flavor to this contest-winning chili recipe from Jeanne Larson of Rancho Santa Margarita, California. —Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Food Editor
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 261 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 18g protein.
14/30
Texas Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe by combining a bunch of taco ingredients that my kids like. Once it’s ready, I often keep the beef mixture warm in a slow cooker so the kids can quickly fill taco shells after an afternoon of rigorous soccer practice. —Susan Scully, Mason, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 294 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
15/30
Couscous Meatball Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup will warm you up and takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. —Jonathan Pace, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 202 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
16/30
Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
For extra flavor, I sometime add beef bouillon to the dish while the peppers bake. It also steams them a little. If also make these with ground chicken or turkey; then I'll use chicken bouillon instead. —Hope Huggins, Santa Cruz, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 245 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 424mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
17/30
Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
One of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We're crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 304 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
18/30
Tortilla Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I enjoy this southwestern take on lasagna because it’s not as dense or heavy as traditional layered dishes made with pasta. Our two daughters enjoy the mild flavor. —Lisa King, Caledonia, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 356 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
19/30
The South in a Pot Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
With black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, ground beef and comforting spices, this soup has every wonderful memory from my childhood simmered together in one tasty pot. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schapp, Cincinnati, OH
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 267 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
20/30
Feta Mushroom Burgers
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from my son-in-law and I tweaked it to make it healthier. The burgers are so quick to whip up on the grill on busy nights. —Dolores Block, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 371 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
21/30
Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a lighter version of a restaurant favorite. I also recommend trying these wraps with ground chicken or turkey.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 250 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
22/30
Taco Stuffed Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a kid-friendly dish so flavorful and fun, nobody is likely to guess that it's also lower in fat. It's a great family supper for busy weeknights! —Anne Thomsen, Westchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 384 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
23/30
Skillet Meat Loaf
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says meat loaf has to bake in the oven for hours? For this convenient recipe, all you need is your stovetop and 30 minutes. It’s a quick, simple dish to make for one or two people. —Emily Sund, Geneseo, Illinois.
Nutrition Facts:
1 meat loaf: 292 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
24/30
Beef Barley Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
This versatile dish goes together fast since it's made with quick-cooking barley. You can make it with ground turkey or chicken and any color bell pepper that you have on hand. —Irene Tetreault, South Hadley, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 362 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
25/30
Ground Beef Veggie Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a wonderful, hearty stew to help use up all the late-summer veggies in your garden. I like that it's filling enough to make a meal, and it's good for you too! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 180 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
26/30
Easy Cuban Picadillo
From the Recipe Creator:
My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 363 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 683mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
27/30
Italian Hot Dish
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband had a poor perception of healthy food until he tried this beefy casserole. The combination of pasta, oregano, mushrooms and green peppers makes it a favorite healthy pasta recipe in our house. —Theresa Smith, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 394 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
28/30
Potato-Topped Ground Beef Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
Compared to other ground beef skillet recipes, the depth of flavor in this recipe is amazing, and I never have leftovers when I take it to potlucks. I love recipes that I can cook and serve in the same skillet. If your butcher has chili grind beef, which is coarsely ground, go for that; it lends an extra meaty texture. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 313 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 459mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
29/30
Pizza Spaghetti
From the Recipe Creator:
The idea for this recipe came to me when I saw someone dip a slice of pizza into a pasta dish. My wife and kids love it, and so do my friends! —Robert Smith, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 354 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 512mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.
30/30
Spinach Tomato Burgers
From the Recipe Creator:
Every Friday night is burger night at our house. The tomatoes add fresh flavor and the cool spinach dip brings it all together. We often skip the buns and serve these over a bed of grilled cabbage. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 389 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
