One-Pot Healthy Mexican Beef Mince is a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with lean beef, vibrant vegetables, and Mexican-inspired spices, this recipe is a satisfying and versatile meal. Serve it with rice, tacos, or salad for a quick and wholesome dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A one-pot wonder—minimal cleanup required.
- Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.
- Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Easily customizable for your family’s tastes.
- Versatile—serve as tacos, burrito filling, or on its own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Lean ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Bell peppers, diced
- Zucchini, grated or diced
- Canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- Canned diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- Tomato paste
- Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Olive oil
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or avocado for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Season the Mix:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients:
- Mix in the zucchini, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and corn. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer:
- Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Serve:
- Spoon the beef mince into tacos, over rice, or as a filling for burritos. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or avocado if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for crumbled tofu, lentils, or plant-based meat.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheesy: Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
- Herbaceous: Add fresh cilantro or parsley for a flavor boost.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe.
2. What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Serve as tacos, on rice, or as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s also great with tortilla chips for a nacho-style meal.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, spinach, or mushrooms are great additions to boost nutrition.
4. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or fresh chili peppers to amp up the heat.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.
6. How do I thicken the mixture if it’s too watery?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or add a spoonful of tomato paste.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.
8. What toppings go well with this dish?
Try shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, salsa, or a squeeze of lime.
9. Can I skip the beans?
Yes, you can omit the beans or replace them with another protein like chickpeas.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger pot and freeze leftovers for future meals.
Conclusion
One-Pot Healthy Mexican Beef Mince is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its bold spices and versatile serving options, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a wholesome, delicious dinner with minimal effort!
Print
One-Pot Healthy Mexican Beef Mince
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
This one-pot Mexican beef mince is a healthy, flavorful dish packed with protein, vegetables, and spices. Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or serving over rice, it’s an easy and versatile meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb (500g) lean ground beef
- 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
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water or beef stock
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Onion and Garlic:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, and corn. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Season and Simmer:
- Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and water or beef stock. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
- Finish with Lime:
- Stir in the lime juice and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice, in tacos, or as a filling for burritos or lettuce wraps.
Notes
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Swap black beans for kidney beans or chickpeas if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.