Description
Hearty one-pot healthy Mexican beef mince brings zesty flavors to your dinner table with minimal cleanup. Packed with protein and bold spices, this simple meal delivers authentic Mexican comfort perfect for quick weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (500g) lean ground beef
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup water or beef stock
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by sautéing finely chopped onions in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and soft, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pan and quickly stir, allowing its fragrance to bloom for about 30 seconds without burning.
- Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break it into fine crumbles. Cook thoroughly until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown color and no pink remains.
- Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, and corn kernels to the meat mixture, stirring continuously to ensure even cooking and preventing sticking.
- Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste, creating a robust foundation for the dish’s complex flavor profile.
- Sprinkle cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper across the mixture, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- Pour water or beef stock into the pan, allowing the ingredients to meld together and create a savory sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and allow flavors to develop for 10-12 minutes.
- Finish the dish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the top, which will brighten the overall taste and add a subtle citrus note.
- Serve the Mexican-inspired beef mince over rice, wrapped in tortillas, or nestled in crisp lettuce leaves, garnishing with fresh cilantro for an extra layer of freshness.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding jalapeños for extra spice.
- Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein alternatives.
- Drain and rinse black beans to reduce sodium content and improve digestibility.
- Meal prep friendly: refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze in portioned containers for quick weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg