50 Clean Eating Ground Beef Recipes for Healthy and Flavorful Meals

Lean ground beef can be the backbone of countless wholesome dishes that don’t rely on heavy sauces or processed ingredients. By pairing it with fresh vegetables, herbs, and whole-grain sides, weeknight dinners become both nutritious and exciting. The ideas below keep things simple, tasty, and friendly to most clean-eating plans.

1. Lettuce-Wrapped Beef Tacos

Swap tortillas for sturdy lettuce leaves to cut refined carbs while keeping all the classic taco flavor. Season lean ground beef with cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika, then spoon it into the greens. Add fresh salsa and a sprinkle of cilantro for brightness.

2. Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful peppers become edible bowls for a beef-quinoa mix infused with garlic, oregano, and a hint of lemon. Bake until the peppers soften and the filling is piping hot. A quick drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil finishes the dish.

3. Korean-Style Beef & Cauliflower Rice Bowls

Sauté beef with garlic, ginger, and a modest splash of tamari, then finish with gochujang for gentle heat. Serve over cauliflower rice to keep the meal grain-free yet satisfying. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch.

4. Zucchini Noodle Bolognese

Simmer lean beef with crushed tomatoes, onion, and carrots until thick and fragrant. Ladle the sauce over quick-sautéed zucchini noodles. The vegetable “pasta” soaks up all that slow-cooked flavor without extra starch.

5. Greek Beef & Quinoa Salad

Pair protein-rich quinoa with savory ground beef seasoned in a light blend of oregano and garlic. Toss in cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion for freshness. A simple lemon and olive oil dressing ties it all together.

6. Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Cups

Cook beef quickly in a hot skillet with garlic, shallots, and fish sauce. Stir in plenty of fresh basil right before serving so its aroma stays vibrant. Scoop into lettuce leaves for a fast, low-carb dinner.

7. Spaghetti Squash Beef Marinara

Roasted spaghetti squash naturally forms noodle-like strands that catch a robust tomato-beef sauce. The combination satisfies pasta cravings while packing extra vegetables. Leftovers reheat well for lunch.

8. Chipotle Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet

Smoky chipotle powder gives lean beef a gentle kick. Sweet potato cubes balance the spice with natural sweetness. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup swift.

9. Italian Beef & Vegetable Soup

This brothy soup is loaded with tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, and herbs. Ground beef adds body without feeling heavy. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if dairy fits your plan.

10. Moroccan Spiced Beef Stuffed Eggplant

Roast eggplant until tender, then mound it with beef cooked in warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Raisins or diced apricots lend subtle sweetness. A shower of fresh mint brightens each bite.

11. Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Bake sweet potatoes until caramelized, then fill them with taco-style beef. Fresh corn kernels and avocado cubes create contrasting textures. Lime juice over the top lifts the flavors.

12. Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry with Brown Rice

Quick cooking keeps vegetables crisp and vibrant. A light soy-ginger sauce coats every piece of beef and produce. Serve over nutty brown rice to round out the meal.

13. Beef and Broccoli Quinoa Bowl

Classic beef and broccoli gets a protein boost from quinoa. The sauce uses low-sodium tamari and fresh ginger for clean flavor. Meal-prep multiple servings for easy lunches.

14. Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie

A velvety cauliflower mash replaces traditional potatoes, trimming carbs while staying comfort-food cozy. Beneath the crust lies beef simmered with onions, peas, and carrots. Bake until the top lightly browns.

15. Beef & Kale Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Kale adds color and nutrients to a simple beef sauté. Spoon the mixture into meaty mushroom caps and roast until juicy. A dusting of grated pecorino is optional yet tasty.

16. Mexican Beef & Black Bean Salad

Lean beef cooks with mild chili powder and garlic, then cools slightly before meeting crisp greens. Black beans contribute fiber and extra protein. A quick lime-cilantro vinaigrette ties the salad together.

17. Beef & Spinach Zucchini Boats

Hollowed zucchini makes an easy base for garlicky beef mixed with chopped spinach. A light sprinkle of part-skim mozzarella melts in minutes. Serve two boats per person for a balanced plate.

18. One-Pot Beef, Tomato & Lentil Stew

Lentils simmer with beef to form a thick, protein-packed stew. Crushed tomatoes lend richness without heavy cream. The dish tastes even better the next day.

19. Greek-Style Beef Meatballs with Tzatziki

Oregano, garlic, and grated onion keep the meatballs juicy and fragrant. Bake instead of pan-frying to reduce added oil. Serve with cool yogurt-cucumber sauce and a side salad.

20. Chimichurri Beef Lettuce Wraps

Blend parsley, cilantro, olive oil, and vinegar for a fresh chimichurri. Spoon it over simply seasoned beef and tuck the mixture into lettuce. The herb sauce makes every bite pop.

21. Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cabbage wilts quickly, making it perfect for a speedy skillet meal. A splash of rice vinegar balances the savory notes. Enjoy it solo or over a small scoop of brown rice.

22. Italian Beef & White Bean Stuffed Tomatoes

Scoop out beefsteak tomatoes and fill them with a mixture of lean beef, cannellini beans, basil, and garlic. Bake until the tomato shells soften and the filling heats through. Whole-grain breadcrumbs add crunch with minimal effort.

23. Pineapple-Ginger Beef Skillet

Fresh pineapple offers natural sweetness while ginger supplies zing. The quick sauce uses only a dab of honey instead of refined sugar. Serve with cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.

24. Beef & Avocado Power Bowl

Build a balanced bowl with quinoa as the base and peppery arugula for crunch. Top with warm cumin-spiced beef and ripe avocado. A squeeze of lime completes the meal.

25. Chili Lime Beef Fajita Salad

Marinate beef in chili powder, lime juice, and garlic before a quick sear. Add strips of bell pepper and onion to the same pan for convenience. Layer everything over crisp romaine and drizzle with a simple lime vinaigrette.

26. Beef, Pepper & Brown Rice Stuffed Poblanos

Roasted poblanos deliver gentle heat without overwhelming spice. Their cavities fit a hearty mix of beef, brown rice, and corn. Broil briefly for a bubbly finish.

27. Turmeric Beef & Vegetable Soup

Ground beef simmers in a turmeric-tinted broth that feels warming and restorative. Carrots and spinach provide color and vitamins. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

28. Sesame Beef & Snow Pea Stir-Fry

Toasted sesame oil perfumes the entire dish with nutty depth. Snow peas stay crisp-tender after only a couple of minutes in the pan. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle spice.

29. Beef & Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs

Start by browning sweet potato cubes until caramelized, then fold in ground beef and onions. Crack eggs over the mixture and bake until the whites set. It makes a hearty breakfast or easy dinner.

30. Five-Spice Beef Lettuce Wraps

Five-spice powder infuses beef with cinnamon, star anise, and clove notes. Crisp lettuce offsets the warming flavors. Add shredded carrots for crunch and color.

31. Beef & Mushroom Lettuce-Wrap Burgers

Finely chop mushrooms to blend seamlessly with ground beef, reducing saturated fat without sacrificing texture. Pan-sear patties and wrap them in iceberg leaves. A slice of ripe tomato and onion keeps it classic.

32. Summer Beef & Corn Salad

Sweet corn and juicy tomatoes turn a simple beef salad into a summer staple. A light olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing lets fresh produce shine. Serve slightly chilled for a refreshing bite.

33. Roasted Veggie & Beef Meatloaf Muffins

Mini meatloaf portions bake faster and make serving easy. Grated zucchini and carrot keep the beef moist while adding nutrients. A tomato-balsamic glaze delivers a tangy finish.

34. Beef & Swiss Chard Stuffed Acorn Squash

Roasted acorn squash offers a naturally sweet counterpoint to savory beef. Chopped Swiss chard melts into the filling for color and iron. Dried cranberries give small pops of tartness.

35. Vietnamese Beef & Herb Salad

Lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of honey create a bright dressing. Thin slices of seared ground-beef patties mingle with mint, basil, and cilantro. A sprinkle of peanuts adds crunch.

36. Italian Wedding Soup with Beef Meatballs

Parsley-flecked meatballs simmer gently in a light chicken broth. Spinach wilts in moments, adding vibrant green color. Whole-wheat orzo keeps the soup wholesome.

37. Middle Eastern Beef & Hummus Bowls

Season beef with cumin, coriander, and paprika, then spoon it over a generous smear of hummus. Add chopped veggies and a drizzle of olive oil. Scoop everything up with forkfuls of the creamy base.

38. Beef & Ginger Cabbage Roll Soup

This soup captures the flavor of classic cabbage rolls without the rolling. Ground beef cooks with tomato, rice, and grated ginger for a clean yet comforting bowl. Leftovers freeze well.

39. Spicy Beef & Spiralized Carrot Stir-Fry

Spiralized carrots stand in for noodles and add natural sweetness. A quick chili-garlic sauce coats beef and veggies evenly. Finish with fresh cilantro for contrast.

40. Beef & Broccoli Slaw Lettuce Cups

Pre-shredded broccoli slaw shortens prep time and boosts crunch. Cook it briefly with soy-sauce-glazed beef, then spoon into romaine boats. It’s light yet filling.

41. Taco-Seasoned Beef Stuffed Plantains

Sweet plantains pair brilliantly with spicy taco beef. Roast them until soft, scoop out a bit, and load the cavity with the meat mixture. Fresh salsa on top balances the sweetness.

42. Beef & Roasted Cauliflower Salad

Roasting cauliflower adds a nutty note that plays well with savory beef. Toss both with baby spinach and a bright lemon dressing. Pumpkin seeds give extra crunch.

43. Mediterranean Beef Kofta Kebabs

Blend beef with minced onion, garlic, and warm spices, then shape onto skewers. Broil or grill-pan the kofta until browned and juicy. Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt and a squeeze of lemon.

44. Beef & Tomato Zoodle Skillet

Cherry tomatoes burst into a quick sauce around lean beef. Zucchini noodles cook right in the pan, absorbing the savory juices. It’s dinner in roughly 20 minutes.

45. Beef & Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin purée adds fiber and a subtle sweetness to classic chili. Black beans and bell peppers round out the pot. A touch of cocoa powder deepens the flavor profile.

46. Beef & Spinach Meatball Soup

Small beef meatballs cook right in a tomato-herb broth, keeping them tender. Fresh spinach wilts at the end, preserving color and nutrients. Ladle into bowls and serve with whole-grain bread if desired.

47. Quinoa & Beef Stuffed Peppers (Red & Yellow)

Quinoa joins beef for an extra dose of complete protein. Choose brightly colored peppers for visual appeal and antioxidants. Bake until everything is hot and the tops are just golden.

48. Beef & Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Earthy beets and tangy goat cheese contrast nicely with simply seasoned beef. A handful of arugula adds peppery bite. Balsamic vinaigrette ties the flavors together.

49. Beef & Barley Vegetable Soup

Pearl barley lends pleasant chew and slow-release energy. The broth stays clear and clean, flavored with thyme and bay leaf. Freeze extra portions for later.

50. Smoky Paprika Beef & Brussels Sprout Skillet

Smoked paprika gives ground beef a deep, almost grilled flavor. Brussels sprouts caramelize in the same pan, soaking up juices. Finish with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the smokiness.