The best high protein ground beef recipes! From stir-fries, soups, casseroles, pasta, and more, all are easy and delicious, and each one packs 30+ grams of protein per serving. You’ll be sure to find some you love!
Ground beef is one of our favorite protein options. Not only is it easy to make and delicious, but it is also nutrient-dense! We always have a couple of pounds in our freezer that we can easily thaw for a quick meal.
We’ll use it in chilis, casseroles, pasta, tacos, stir-fries, and more – it is so versatile! And of course, it’s packed with protein.
Eating enough protein has so many benefits. From helping with digestion, filling you up and keeping you full, balancing your blood sugar, building and repairing muscles, better body composition, and more. With getting enough protein, and a good balance of carbs and fat, I know I am setting myself up to feel my best.
To help you hit your protein goals and inspire you, we are rounding up 16 easy high-protein ground beef recipes. I’m sure you will find a few to add to your weekly rotation!
Why we love these high protein ground beef recipes
- loaded with micronutrients – beef is full of B vitamins, iron, selenium, and phosphorus.
- absolutely delicious and packed with flavor! – no boring diet food here!
- high protein meals will keep you full longer, help balance your blood sugar, help build and repair muscles, and more!
- customizable – swap out an ingredient or two depending on what you have on hand or what you like. Ground turkey or chicken can easily be swapped out for beef.
- most of these recipes are great for meal prep!
Is ground beef healthy?
Ground beef can be a healthy protein option. Ground beef has protein and fat, meaning it will help fill you up and keep you full. It is a complete protein and contains all 9 essential amino acids. Beef is rich in B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus. Also, it’s low in sodium. Overall, it makes a great choice for a protein at mealtime!
If possible, opt for grass-fed beef from cattle that can freely roam on a pasture and raised eating grass. They are also free of added hormones or antibiotics. Nutrient density can also be higher in grass-fed beef giving you a more nutritious meal.
How much protein is in ground beef?
Ground beef can have anywhere from 16-25 grams of protein per serving. The amount will depend on what fat percentage you buy. More fat will mean less protein and vice versa. For example, 4 ounces of raw 80/20 ground beef will have 19 grams of protein while 4 ounces of raw 90/10 ground beef will have 23 grams of protein.
We buy 85/15 or 90/10 since it has a good amount of protein but also some fat content to give it flavor. We like to buy grass-fed beef from cows that are humanely raised and never given added hormones or antibiotics. It has a delicious taste, cooks up well, and works in all recipes!
16 high protein ground beef recipes
Cheesy taco pasta takes the flavors of tacos and turns them into an easy and healthy pasta dish. Made with lean ground beef, bell peppers, onions, roasted tomatoes, and taco seasoning, and comes together with melted cheese. Full of flavor and absolutely delicious! Ready in 25 minutes and a meal everyone will love!
Ground beef and cabbage stir fry comes together in 25 minutes and in one pan for a quick and healthy dinner recipe. Packed with protein, vegetables, a sweet and spicy stir-fry sauce, and tons of flavor, it’s great for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve with white, brown, or cauliflower rice. Gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30 friendly.
Cheeseburger fries with crispy french fries, mustard-flavored beef, melted cheese, your favorite burger toppings, and topped with a special sauce dressing. They are absolutely delicious and perfect for a fun, healthy comfort food dinner or game day.
Homemade hamburger helper takes a childhood favorite and makes a healthy version. Easy to make and so delicious – the whole family will love it!
Beef tostadas with refried beans, cheese, and toppings of choice make a quick and easy dinner recipe. Perfect for busy nights and something the whole family will love! High in protein and gluten-free.
Healthy Italian meatballs made with lean ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. They are tender, flavorful, and such a delicious meal your whole family will love. Simmer in some tomato sauce and serve over pasta!
Bison chili is technically made with made with ground buffalo, but you can use ground beef instead! It has butternut squash, veggies, and warming spices and makes an easy and delicious healthy chili recipe ready in 45 minutes. Make it for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner.
Chili spaghetti squash casserole combines all of your favorite chili ingredients into a delicious and comforting casserole. This healthy casserole recipe comes together with simple ingredients, is full of protein and veggies, and is great for meal prep. Gluten-free and low-carb.
Beef stuffed butternut squash with veggies and a cinnamon tahini sauce is an easy and healthy flavor-packed meal. It comes together in 50 minutes with just 15 minutes of active cooking time. Full of protein, carbs, and healthy fats and paleo, gluten-free, and Whole30.
Skillet lasagna is a fun and easier spin on a classic! With mixed ‘layers’ of lean ground beef, curly lasagna noodles, vegetables, and cheese it’s a hearty and wholesome meal the entire family will love.
Garlic beef and quinoa bowls with garlic ginger ground beef, fluffy quinoa, pungent kimchi, and a smashed cucumber salad and finished off with sriracha mayo. This meal is high fiber, high protein, nutritious, and full of flavor!
Stuffed peppers without any of the fuss! This one-pan dish features the flavors of stuffed peppers but deconstructed. Made in a skillet as an easy 30-minute meal that’s also keto and Whole30 friendly!
Beef taquitos make for a fun spin on taco night! Corn tortillas are filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese, rolled up, and then baked in the oven until crispy on the outside. Serve with toppings of choice for an easy and healthy meal!
Korean beef bowls give you the best flavors you find in Korean beef. The beef combines ginger, garlic, gochujang, and vinegar and is served with white or brown rice, veggies, and a fried egg.
Healthy sloppy joes have a delicious tangy flavor and are sure to please any crowd! This rich, smoky sandwich melts in your mouth and fits right into a healthy nutrition plan.
Beef burrito casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Seasoned ground beef, veggies, white rice, and black beans are baked together and then topped with melty cheese for a delicious healthy casserole recipe. High protein, gluten-free, and great for meal prep.
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
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