High Protein Classic Ground Beef Casserole

Elevate your dinner game with this High Protein Classic Ground Beef Casserole, a hearty and wholesome dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Packed with lean ground beef, protein-rich quinoa, and fiber-filled black beans, this casserole offers a satisfying mix of bold flavors and nutrient-dense ingredients. Seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder, and topped with melted low-fat cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and nutrition. Ready in under an hour, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish. Ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers, it’s a deliciously high-protein twist on a classic family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 400 grams, drained and rinsed canned black beans
• 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 150 grams low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 200 grams quinoa
• 475 ml water
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is cooked and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet, sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the pepper starts to soften.

Step 6

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 7

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Add the cooked quinoa to the beef mixture and stir until well combined.

Step 9

Transfer the beef and quinoa mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 10

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 12

Serve hot and enjoy your high-protein, hearty casserole.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2433.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2781.2

Total Fat 91.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 371.4mg	0%
Sodium 6948.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 243.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 55.3g	0%
Total Sugars 26.1g
Protein 220.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1530.8mg	0%
Iron 35.5mg	0%
Potassium 3759.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.7%

Protein: 33.0%

Carbs: 36.4%