Craving a delicious and healthy dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This ground beef with asparagus recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and offers a fantastic balance of lean protein and vibrant green vegetables. This recipe is a testament to how simple homemade cooking can be, resulting in a truly satisfying and delicious dish. Get ready to elevate your quick dinner ideas!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Get started: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the vegetables and seasonings: Add the asparagus, diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Simmer to perfection: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the flavors have melded beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serve and enjoy: Serve the ground beef and asparagus mixture hot. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Lean ground beef is key: Using lean ground beef helps keep this recipe relatively healthy and reduces the amount of grease you'll need to drain.
- Don't overcook the asparagus: Overcooked asparagus can become mushy. Aim for tender-crisp spears.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes could add a nice kick!
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this dish with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a more substantial and nutritious meal.
Variations:
- Add some heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
- Creamy option: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy twist.
- Mushroom medley: Add sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy flavor boost.
- Cheese please: Sprinkle with mozzarella or provolone cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy finish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This easy ground beef with asparagus recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes. It’s a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights and a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying meal! It's one of the best recipes for a balanced and flavorful weeknight dinner.