Healthy meals are showing up on dinner tables all across America and the main attraction on the plates is not fish nor fowl or even the other white meat, but it is in fact beef. When you stay within the suggested serving size of around four ounces, you can reap the rewards of quality protein, hard to get zinc, selenium, iron and B vitamins without the worries of eating too much saturated fat. Studies have shown that eating lean beef can even help to lower cholesterol levels.  Often beef meals are laden with starchy high carb potatoes or carrots, but these meal ideas are healthier with low-carb vegetables.  

Stir Fry or Sauté

Both cooking techniques will stretch out your beef portions with the addition of a bunch of fresh seasonal veggies. The quick cooking time makes this an easy meal to prepare and the lightly cooked veggies will retain most of their nutrients. That is a double bonus!

Steak Salad

Salads are healthy meals unto themselves, get creative and add many colorful veggies to your favorite greens. Make sure you top it off with some high quality proteins such as a little cheese, some beans or nuts. Choose your favorite light dressing and add thinly sliced strips of steak. Your four-ounce portion will go a long way in this meal idea and you will get heaps of vitamins and mineral. Who knew healthy tasted so good!

Beef-wich

Here is your chance to make Dagwood jealous. Stacking a load of fresh veggies and sprouts on top of a few ounces of thinly sliced beef will make a delicious sandwich. Use whole grain bread and a smear of mustard or vegan mayo to make a health meal that even the biggest appetites can sink their teeth into.

Stew

Beef stew is one of those healthy meals that is easy to prepare and it can simmer for hours. Brown you pieces of lean beef first and then add low sodium, non-fat beef broth. Add all your favorite stew veggies and when it has all cooked into a thick tasty stew, serve it with some whole grain bread and a small green salad. That is a comfort food feast.

Beefed-up Bakes

Pasta bakes are a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will love. Simply add browned lean ground beef to cooked penne, mix in your favorite healthy pasta sauce, and top with reduced fat mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese gets melty and starts to brown and you’ll have a table full of smiles; so few ingredients yet so many compliments.