Some dinners just have a way of sticking with you—not because they’re fancy or complicated, but because they feel right. This high protein beef dinner is one of those meals. It’s the kind of plate I find myself craving after a long day when I want something solid without fuss. The moment I start cooking, the aroma of garlic and onions sizzling in olive oil pulls me in, a little reminder that good food often starts simply. There’s something comforting about the way the quinoa fluffs up, soaking in the savory broth, while the broccoli steams nearby, bright green and crisp. Admittedly, I sometimes get distracted mid-cooking, wondering if I should add a splash of something extra, but usually, I just let the flavors speak for themselves.
When it’s all plated, the mix of textures—the tender beef, nutty quinoa, and vibrant veggies—makes each bite satisfying in a way that’s hard to explain. It’s not flashy, but it feels like nourishment that hits both the body and the mood. I’m pretty sure this will become one of those meals you’ll want to save for busy nights when you need a reliable, protein-packed dinner.
Why You’ll Love It
- The protein-packed mix fuels your body without feeling heavy or greasy.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or weird ingredients.
- The balance between quinoa and broccoli adds a fresh touch that keeps it feeling light.
- Perfect for those who want a wholesome dinner that can be made in under an hour.
- It’s easy to portion out for leftovers, though I usually just eat it all at once.
If you’re worried about whether the flavors will hold up or the meal will keep you full, this one tends to check those boxes pretty well. It’s not gourmet, but it’s honest and satisfying.
PrintHigh Protein Beef Dinner
A hearty and nutritious high protein beef dinner featuring lean ground beef, quinoa, and steamed broccoli. Perfect for a balanced meal packed with protein and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer and drain well.
In a medium saucepan, bring the beef broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Season the beef with black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
While the beef cooks, steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 5-6 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Divide the cooked quinoa evenly among four plates.
Top the quinoa with the seasoned ground beef and steamed broccoli.
Garnish each plate with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Kitchen Notes: I usually make this with just a basic skillet and a pot for the quinoa—no fancy gadgets needed. If you want a little extra flavor, adding a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon over the broccoli can brighten things up, though I haven’t tried it every time. Sometimes I swap out the parsley for cilantro when I’m feeling adventurous, or toss in a pinch of chili flakes if I want a bit of heat. Leftovers reheat nicely, but the broccoli can lose a bit of its snap, which I personally don’t mind.
FAQ
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa? Sure, though cooking times and liquid amounts may change. Brown rice or bulgur could work, but I haven’t tested them all.
Is this meal kid-friendly? Most kids like the beef and broccoli combo, but if your little one is picky about textures, you might want to mash the quinoa a bit or serve it separately.
Can I prep this ahead of time? Yes, prepping the quinoa and beef in advance makes for a quick assembly later. Just steam the broccoli fresh for the best texture.
Feeling ready to try a meal that’s straightforward, wholesome, and a little bit comforting? Go ahead and save this recipe—you’ll want to come back to it.