If you’ve been seeking a comprehensive guide on meal prep for ground beef, look no further. This article will give you a step-by-step walkthrough on creating healthy, mouth-watering meals using ground beef.
Things You’ll Need: Meal Prep for Ground Beef
- Ground Beef (preferably lean for weight loss)
- Quality Cooking Oil (like olive oil or avocado oil)
- Fresh Vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes)
- Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
- Cooking Utensils (knife, chopping board, skillet, spatula)
- Meal Prep Containers for Storage
Meal Prep for Ground Beef – 3 Recipes
Below are three meal prep recipes for ground beef…
Ground Beef Recipe for Weight Loss #1: Beef Stir-Fry
Mini Things You’ll Need
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 bell peppers (choose your favorite colors)
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (canola or olive oil work well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing the bell peppers under cold running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. Then, place a bell pepper on a cutting board and slice off the top and bottom. This gives you a stable base to stand the pepper on.
With a knife, carefully remove the seeds and any white pith. Repeat this with the second bell pepper. Peel the onion and slice it in half. Lay each half flat on the cutting board and make vertical cuts, followed by horizontal cuts, to dice it.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Preparation: Place your skillet on the stove. The skillet should be large enough to hold the beef and vegetables.
Heating the Skillet: Turn the heat to medium. Allow the skillet to heat for about 2 minutes.
Adding Oil: Carefully pour 2 tablespoons of cooking oil into the skillet, swirling it around to cover the surface.
Cooking the Beef: Once the oil is shimmering, it’s hot enough. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it starts to cook.
Browning the Beef: Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains. This should take around 7-10 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Adding to the Skillet: Incorporate the diced bell peppers and onions into the skillet with the browned beef.
Stirring: Stir the mixture well so that the vegetables are evenly distributed.
Cooking Time: Allow this to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables are soft and tender.
Step 4: Season Your Stir-Fry
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly for about 1 minute to ensure the seasoning coats everything evenly.
How to Store
After the stir-fry has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight meal prep container. If storing in the fridge, consume within 3-4 days. For freezer storage, label the container with the date and store it for up to 2-3 months.
Read more meal prep topics here – Meal Prep for Every Situation: Your Ultimate Guide
Ground Beef Recipe for Weight Loss #2: Beef and Broccoli Bowl
Mini Things You’ll Need
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Prepare Broccoli and Garlic
Washing Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a colander and run cold water over them to remove any dirt. Shake off excess water and set aside.
Prepping Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and place them on a cutting board. Use a knife to mince them finely. Set the minced garlic aside for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Skillet Preparation: Place a skillet large enough to accommodate the beef and broccoli on the stove and set the heat to medium.
Oil Addition: Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the skillet.
Beef Cooking: When the oil is hot, add the lean ground beef. Use a spatula to break apart the beef. Cook until no pink remains, stirring occasionally. This should take approximately 7-10 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Broccoli
Adding Garlic: Sprinkle the minced garlic over the cooked beef in the skillet.
Adding Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet.
Mixing: Stir everything together, ensuring that the garlic and broccoli are evenly distributed.
Cooking Time: Allow the mixture to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli becomes tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Season
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings.
How to Store
After the beef and broccoli bowl has cooled to room temperature, place it in an airtight container. In the fridge, it will last for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months.
Ground Beef Recipe for Weight Loss #3: Beef Zucchini Boats
Mini Things You’ll Need
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 medium-sized zucchinis
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Prepare Zucchinis
Washing: Rinse the zucchinis under cold running water.
Cutting: Cut each zucchini in half, lengthwise.
Scooping: Use a spoon to hollow out the center of each zucchini half, creating a “boat.”
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Skillet: Place a skillet on the stove and set the heat to medium.
Oil: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
Beef: Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take around 7-10 minutes.
Step 3: Mix Beef and Sauce
Adding Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned beef.
Mixing: Stir the sauce and beef together until well combined.
Step 4: Fill the Zucchini Boats
Spoonfuls: Use a spoon to fill each zucchini boat with the beef and sauce mixture.
Step 5: Bake
Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Baking: Place the filled zucchini boats on a baking sheet and put them in the preheated oven.
Cooking Time: Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender.
How to Store
After the beef zucchini boats have cooled, place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Conclusion: Meal Prep for Ground Beef
Meal prep for ground beef doesn’t have to be complicated. With these easy-to-follow recipes, you can prepare healthy, satisfying meals for weight loss. Proper storage is crucial, so make sure to use airtight containers to maximize freshness. Happy meal prepping!