Lean Beef and Vegetable Bake
A hearty one-pan dinner featuring lean ground beef and a medley of fresh vegetables, all baked together in a savory tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. It's a satisfying and wholesome meal, perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare for baking
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the beef
- b.Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté the aromatics and vegetables
- b.Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- c.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- d.Add the chopped bell peppers, diced zucchini, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the sauce and combine
- b.Add the finely chopped fresh tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they break down and form a thick sauce, about 8-10 minutes.
- c.Pour in the water and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and bake
- b.Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- c.Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- d.Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and serve
- b.Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- c.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the leanest ground beef you can find (93% lean or higher) to minimize saturated fat.
- 2Avoid overcooking the vegetables in the skillet. They will continue to soften in the oven, so aim for tender-crisp for the best texture.
- 3Using fresh, ripe tomatoes will create a brighter, more vibrant sauce compared to canned.
- 4This bake is perfect for meal prep. Portion it into individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
- 5Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a little bit of heat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground beef with 1.5 cups of cooked brown lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a hearty vegetarian version.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your Italian seasoning blend is certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
low carbLow carb
To lower the carbs, replace the bell peppers with extra mushrooms and zucchini. Serve with a side of cauliflower rice instead of grains.
dairy freeDairy free
Omit the mozzarella cheese on top or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Lean ground beef provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Vitamins and Fiber
The variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes offers a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber which aids digestion.
Good Source of Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to improved heart health and protection against certain diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this bake is a well-balanced and healthy meal. It uses lean protein, is packed with a variety of vegetables for fiber and vitamins, and uses minimal oil and salt. Choosing low-fat cheese also helps manage saturated fat content.