Many people feel that red meat is bad for you, but if it's prepared correctly and eaten in moderation, it makes a nutritious meal. Beef is high in protein, iron, zinc, niacin, selenium, and vitamins E and B - all of which help support the brain and nervous system function. The amino acids in beef also help build muscle, speed up metabolism and satisfy hunger.
To keep your beef dishes healthy, get meat sourced from grass-fed cows (which is lower in fat and calories), and if it's ground beef, go for 90 to 96 percent lean. But the best thing about any cut of beef is its versatility. Red meat is always hearty and satisfying, whether it's a juicy roast, tender steak cooked in stews or just a burger on the grill.
Here are healthy beef recipes that are delicious and easy to prepare.
This Sloppy Joe makeover substitutes beans for some of the beef to give you extra fiber. The recipe also uses smaller amounts of ketchup and sauces to save you 12 grams of unnecessary sugar. To make it even healthier, swap out the buns for cauliflower rounds.
Try the Beef and Bean Sloppy Joes here.
Craving Italian food but without the carb-laden pasta? Check out this slow cooker dish - the meat is super tender and can be used for hot sandwiches or served over plain rice (use cauliflower rice for a healthier version). It also makes great leftovers!
Try Skinny Slow Cooker Italian Beef here.
Chili is one of the easiest dishes to prepare since you're adding everything into one pot. Plus, it can feed a large group if you decide to double the recipe. As with any chili, this hearty dish tastes even better the next day when the flavors have more time to blend together, creating a savory meal.
Try Easy Beef Chili here.
Lasagna is one of those comfort foods that we just can't get enough of. This recipe has all the Italian flavors we love without any guilt since the noodles are replaced with zucchini. The beefy Bolognese sauce is so delicious and filling that you won't miss the fattening pasta in most classic lasagna recipes.
Try Zucchini Lasagna With Bolognese Sauce here.
For more beef recipes, check out FamilyMinded.