The key to a healthy diet lies in striking the perfect balance between animal proteins and nutrient rich fruits and vegetables. Although red meat may have received a bad rap in recent years, nutritionists and experts agree that beef is an invaluable source of protein for the human body and is essential for the growth and development of muscles, connective tissue and a resilient immune system. When supplemented with a healthy serving of vegetables and other side dishes, a scrumptious beef dinner can satiate most of your nutritional requirements, whilst gratifying your taste buds. Mentioned below are 4 easy to prepare beef dinners that are both delectable and nutritious.
Meat Loaf – Heat the oven to 450 F. Meanwhile whisk 2 tsp of Worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp of salt, a large egg and 1/3 cup of ketchup together in a large bowl and blend to reach a uniform creamy consistency. Now add a pound of lean ground beef along with ½ a cup of dried bread crumbs and 1/3 cup of sliced scallions to the batter and mix thoroughly. Using your hands, form the mixture into four loaves measuring 4 x 2-inch. Line a baking sheet with foil and place the loaves on the sheet. Dress the top of the loaves with 2 tsp of ketchup and bake for about half an hour. Serve hot with French fries or an accompaniment of your choice.
Cornbread and Beef Skillet Pie – Heat the oven to 400 F. Meanwhile cook a pound of ground beef in a skillet until brown over a medium-high heat. Pour into the skillet 15.25 oz of drained corn niblets and 21 oz of Ranchero beans. Stir the ingredients well and allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes. Now introduce a pack of cornbread mix on top of the beef gravy and top it off with a sprinkling of ½ cup pepper jack cheese. Bake the mix in the oven for about 15 minutes and remove when a wooden pick inserted into the pie comes out clean.
Stroganoff – Pour 2 tsp of canola oil into a large nonstick skillet and heat. When the oil is hot and ready, add a pound of slice mushrooms and a small roughly chopped onion into the skillet and stir for about 5 minutes till golden brown. Add a pound of ground beef into the mix and cook for about 3 minutes till the meat is well browned. Now stir in 2 tbsp of sherry and a 12 oz jar of beef gravy into the mix and allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and garnish the dish with a quarter cup of freshly chopped dill and half a cup of low fat sour cream. Serve hot over a bed of rice or noodles.
Picadillo On Buns – Add a pound of lean ground beef to a heated large non-stick skillet and cook for a few minutes over medium-high heat until well browned. Now stir in a 1/3 cup of pimento stuffed olives, 14½ oz can of diced tomatoes, along with onions and garlic, 1 tsp of cinnamon, cumin and oregano, 2 tbsp of tomato paste and cider vinegar and a sprinkling of a ½ tsp of kosher salt. Let the mixture simmer and cook for about 10 minutes so that the flavors blend together. Divide the mixture among 4 burger buns and enjoy.
