Braised Ground Beef

A comforting, healthy Braised Ground Beef meal, complemented by a medley of mixed vegetables, and simmered until perfectly tender on the stove. Serve in a crispy, warm pita bread or your preferred bread selection, and garnish with ketchup, cheese, or personalized toppings.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes – Cooking Time: 30 minutes – Total Time: 35 minutes

Helpful equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• ½ onion diced
• oil
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1/4-1/2 tsp chili powder or to taste
• ½ cup mixed vegetables
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½-1 tbsp. sugar or to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½-¾ cup chicken or beef stock
• ~8-10 pita bread sliced in half (optional)
• Toppings: ketchup, grated cheese, etc. (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat, add oil and diced onions. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a separate skillet over medium-high heat, begin to cook the ground beef, discarding any excess fat, impurities or juices that arise. Once partially cooked, transfer the ground beef to the Dutch oven or pot.

Step 3

To the pot, add cumin, turmeric, chili powder, salt, pepper, sugar and garlic powder. Continue cooking the ground beef, breaking it up and incorporating with the spices.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken or beef stock. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. After simmering for 15-20 minutes, drop in the mixed vegetables. Continue simmering until the beef is tender and the stock has reduced to a small pool beneath the beef.

Step 5

Spoon into crispy, toasted bread or pita bread, and customize with desired toppings.

Notes

• Mixed vegetables – Opt for any variety of frozen vegetables, such as vibrant green peas and sweet carrots, for a burst of color and nutrients. 
• Choice of bread – Consider using pocket pita bread to envelope the braised ground beef. For quick, crisp pita bread, try air frying the pita bread vertically at 300F for 4 minutes. If wrapping in phyllo dough, crescent dough or other dough, ensure the beef is fully cooked before wrapping; and bypass braising the ground beef in stock to avoid a potentially soggy wrapper.
• Topping inspirations – Grated cheddar cheese, ketchup, or any other favorite hamburger toppings.
• Tip for healthier eating – For a lighter dish, discard excess juices, fat, and impurities that may accumulate during the cooking process.