Description
Quick and nutritious one-pot healthy Mexican beef mince delivers bold flavors with minimal cleanup. Lean protein and zesty spices combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (500g) lean ground beef
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup water or beef stock
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Base: In a large skillet, caramelize onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and golden, releasing their sweet aromatics.
- Aromatic Infusion: Quickly introduce minced garlic, stirring to prevent burning and allow its pungent essence to permeate the foundation.
- Protein Transformation: Add ground beef, methodically crumbling and browning until no pink remains, developing a rich, deep color and sealing in savory flavors.
- Vegetable Integration: Fold in bell peppers, zucchini, and corn, stirring to create a vibrant medley that adds texture and nutritional depth to the dish.
- Liquid and Seasoning Fusion: Combine black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, creating a complex flavor landscape.
- Sauce Development: Pour water or beef stock, allowing ingredients to meld and simmer gently on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching and enhance flavor integration.
- Finishing Touch: Brighten the composition with a fresh lime juice squeeze, adding a citrusy zest, and garnish with chopped cilantro for a final burst of freshness.
- Serving Suggestion: Present the Mexican-inspired beef mince atop fluffy rice, nestled in warm tortillas, or cradled in crisp lettuce leaves for a versatile and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned without burning, breaking into fine crumbles for better texture and deeper flavor development.
- Vegetable Sautéing Strategy: Cut vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
- Spice Distribution Method: Toast spices briefly before adding liquid to enhance their aromatic compounds and intensify the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace rice or tortillas with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly version that maintains the recipe’s vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg