Lean Seasoned Ground Beef Medley
This Lean Seasoned Ground Beef Medley is perfect for those looking to reduce fat intake without compromising on flavor. With a blend of aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs, this versatile dish can be used as a filling for tacos, a base for sauces, or a topping for salads. Prepare it in bulk for meal prep or freeze portions for quick weeknight dinners. Enjoy this healthy take on ground beef that will elevate your recipes while keeping them light and nutritious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (raw, lean)
Garlic Clove
1 clove (smashed)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Dried Thyme
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Instructions
1
In a large 12-inch skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and smashed garlic clove to the pan as the beef cooks.
2
Cook until the beef is no longer pink, ensuring that the onion is softened and fragrant.
3
Once cooked, carefully pour the beef mixture into a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under warm running water to remove excess fat and grease.
4
Return the rinsed beef and onions to the skillet and add a small amount of water (or wine) to help de-glaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits for added flavor.
5
Stir in the salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Continue to cook over medium heat until most of the added water has evaporated and the mixture is well combined and flavorful.
6
You can proceed with your desired recipe using this flavorful ground beef, or let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for later use.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lean Seasoned Ground Beef Medley?
It is a versatile, healthy dish made with seasoned beef, onions, and garlic, designed to reduce fat intake while maintaining flavor.
How do I make the ground beef leaner?
You brown the beef and then rinse it under warm running water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess grease.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of ground beef, one garlic clove, one small onion, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
How much ground beef does this recipe use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of raw, lean ground beef.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One garlic clove should be smashed and added to the pan while the beef cooks.
What is the best way to prepare the onion?
One small onion should be finely chopped before being added to the skillet.
What spices are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How do I remove the excess fat from the beef?
Carefully pour the cooked beef mixture into a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under warm running water.
Can I use water to de-glaze the pan?
Yes, adding a small amount of water helps to de-glaze the pan and scrape up flavorful brown bits.
Is wine an option for de-glazing the skillet?
Yes, you can use wine instead of water to help de-glaze the pan for added flavor.
How long should I cook the ground beef?
Cook the beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink and the onion is softened.
How do I know when the beef is finished cooking?
The beef is done when no pink remains and the onion is fragrant and soft.
Why is it recommended to rinse the cooked beef?
Rinsing the beef under warm water helps remove significant amounts of fat and grease for a leaner meal.
What are common uses for this beef medley?
It can be used as a filling for tacos, a base for various sauces, or a protein topping for salads.
Can this recipe be used for taco meat?
Yes, this seasoned ground beef makes an excellent, healthy filling for tacos.
Is this beef medley suitable for salads?
Yes, it is a great topping to elevate the nutritional profile of salads while keeping them light.
Can I use this recipe as a base for pasta sauces?
Absolutely, the seasoned beef provides a flavorful and lean foundation for many sauces.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is specifically designed for meal prep and can be prepared in bulk for the week.
How long can I store the cooked beef in the refrigerator?
The cooked beef can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the Lean Seasoned Ground Beef Medley?
Yes, you can freeze portions of this recipe for quick weeknight dinners.
How long will the beef last in the freezer?
The beef medley can be frozen for up to 3 months for later use.
What does dried thyme add to the dish?
Dried thyme adds an aromatic herbal flavor that complements the beef and onions.
What size skillet is recommended?
A large 12-inch skillet is ideal for browning the beef and onions evenly.
Should the beef be raw when I start the recipe?
Yes, the instructions begin with raw, lean ground beef.
Can I use other types of ground meat?
While written for beef, the same rinsing and seasoning technique can be applied to other ground meats.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
Yes, it is designed for fat-free or low-fat diets by removing grease through rinsing.
What should I do after returning the beef to the skillet?
Return it to the pan with liquid and spices, then cook until the moisture evaporates.
What does de-glazing the pan involve?
It involves adding liquid and scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavorful brown bits into the meat.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy and quick meal suitable for busy weeknights.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients as long as you have a large enough skillet.