Are you looking for delicious and healthy meal ideas that are also surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe combines the unexpected pairing of cottage cheese and ground beef to create a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy dish. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and it's packed with protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. This recipe is perfect for those searching for easy recipes, healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, or simply delicious dishes for homemade cooking. Let's get cooking!
Savory Cottage Cheese and Ground Beef Skillet
This recipe is a simple, one-pan wonder, perfect for minimizing cleanup. It's a great way to use up leftover ground beef, and the cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and a boost of protein that you won't find in many other ground beef recipes. This is easily one of the best recipes for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular, your preference)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) container cottage cheese (low-fat or whole milk)
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color) for added vegetables and flavor.
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: 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 Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and optional bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cottage cheese, milk or cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer and Serve: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the flavors have melded. Do not boil. Serve hot.
Tips for Success:
- For a smoother texture, you can briefly blend the cottage cheese before adding it to the skillet.
- Don't overcook the mixture, or the cottage cheese might become grainy.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A dash of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
Variations:
- Spicy Skillet: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier dish.
- Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a healthier and more flavorful meal.
- Cheesy Goodness: Increase the amount of Parmesan cheese, or add a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams
This simple yet satisfying recipe provides a delicious and healthy way to enjoy ground beef. It's a great example of how easy it can be to create healthy meals at home using simple ingredients. Enjoy this fantastic recipe and explore the endless possibilities for variation to make it your own!