This juicy, flavorful ground beef is a simple meal-prep staple made with sautéed onion, fresh garlic, and a splash of broth to keep it moist and tender. Enjoy it as a savory base or add different herbs, spices, and sauces to create delicious meals throughout the week.
MAKES
4 SERVINGS
QUICK RECIPE OVERVIEW
Why you’ll love it
Cook once and enjoy it in different ways throughout the week. This simple recipe makes it easy to build tacos, bowls, salads, wraps, and quick dinners.
What Makes It So Flavorful?
Sautéed onion, fresh garlic, and lightly browned beef create a rich, savory flavor, while a splash of broth keeps the meat moist and tender.
5 Easy Ways to Flavor It
1. Mexican / Taco
2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning
⅓ cup low-sodium beef broth (instead of the basic ¼ cup)
Stir seasoning and broth into browned beef. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until lightly saucy. Omit basic recipe's salt if using a salted seasoning blend.
Great for: Tacos, burrito bowls, taco salads, and stuffed sweet potatoes.
2. Italian Herb
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
Stir in seasonings and tomato paste with the basic recipe's broth. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Great for: Gluten-free pasta, zucchini boats, stuffed peppers, and grain bowls.
3. Mediterranean Lemon-Herb
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Stir spices into browned beef with the basic recipe's broth. Simmer briefly, then finish with fresh lemon juice and parsley.
Great for: Greek bowls, quinoa salads, lettuce wraps, and stuffed gluten-free flatbreads.
4. Ginger-Sesame
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium gluten-free tamari
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Stir ginger and tamari into browned beef with 2 tbsp water instead of broth. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, then finish with sesame oil and rice vinegar. Omit the basic recipe's salt.
Great for: Rice bowls, lettuce cups, stir-fries, and cabbage bowls.
5. Smoky BBQ
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoon BBQ sauce, low added sugar
1–2 tablespoon water, as needed
Stir seasonings and BBQ sauce into browned beef. Add water as needed and simmer for 1–2 minutes until evenly coated. Use this liquid instead of the basic broth.
Great for: Baked potatoes, rice bowls, lettuce wraps, and gluten-free sandwiches.
Easy Ground Beef — 5 Ways
SAVORY · JUICY · VERSATILE
4 SERVINGS | PREP 5-10 MINUTES | COOK 10 -15 MINUTES
Ingredients:
1 lb organic lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup low-sodium beef broth
¼–½ teaspoon sea salt, to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
Method:
Sauté onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if needed, then onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Brown beef: Add ground beef, spreading it evenly in the skillet. Let it brown for 1–2 minutes before breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Add broth: Pour in ¼ cup beef broth and simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed but the beef is still moist. Make sure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Serve or store: Enjoy as is or add one of the flavor variations below. Divide into portions for easy meal prep.
Recipe Notes
The secret to flavorful, juicy ground beef is browning it first, then adding a little broth at the end. Browning develops savory flavor, while the broth helps keep the beef moist, especially when reheating.
For Extra Moisture: Add an additional 1–2 tablespoon broth if the beef looks dry. Keep a little moisture in the pan rather than cooking until completely dry.
Boost the Veggies: Add ½–1 cup finely chopped cremini mushrooms with the onion. Cook for a few extra minutes until softened and the excess moisture evaporates before adding the beef. Mushrooms add savory flavor, moisture, and extra nutrients.
Boost the Fiber: Stir in ½ cup cooked lentils during the final 1–2 minutes of cooking. They add fiber, plant protein, and texture while stretching the recipe into additional servings.
Make Ahead: Prepare the basic ground beef without extra seasonings. Divide into portions and add your favorite flavors when reheating.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality. Refrigerate promptly, within 2 hours of cooking.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with 1–2 tablespoon broth per serving to restore moisture.
Substitutions: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, cooking poultry to 165°F.
When choosing packaged sauces and seasonings, check the labels for added sugar and sodium. Look for gluten-free options with simple ingredients that let the natural flavors shine.
