If you think you need to skip beef entirely in order to reduce calories, think again. Food Network Kitchen’s Juicy Grilled Cheeseburgers take the guilt out of this summertime staple and weigh in at just under 400 calories per serving — roughly half of what you could expect from most fast-food options.
Ellie Krieger sneaks tons of veggies into her lighter spin on classic meatloaf. For sweet and tangy flavor notes, douse it with a tomato, molasses and mustard sauce just before baking.
What makes this low-fat meatloaf speedier than the typical oven version? The reflective surface of the foil packet, which traps and intensifies the heat like a mini silver oven. Plus, the loaf is slightly thinner, so it cooks more quickly while maintaining a flavorful char on the surface.
Food Network Kitchen stretched out the decadence of the beef by adding a portobello mushroom and using an egg white in the meatballs. Use whole-wheat spaghetti for added fiber.
Trisha Yearwood's easy meatball appetizer is great for entertaining a crowd. Each small bite is packed with beef, garlic, onion and fresh parsley, so a little goes a long way.
This low-fat casserole relies on spices, tomato paste, wine and vinegar for flavor instead of the ton of cheese (in other words, fat) found in regular moussaka recipes.
Reduced-fat sour cream and low-fat cream cheese are key to this one-pot stroganoff that clocks in at just 322 calories per serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and chives to brighten up this creamy ground beef dish.
Ellie uses extra-lean ground beef to slim down this hearty chili, but you'd never notice anything was missing, thanks to a flavorful three-bean combo (black beans, kidney and pinto) and the addition of a smoky chipotle chile.
Stuff beef and couscous into sweet bell peppers for a nutritious, protein-packed meal. The bold colors of the antioxidant-packed bell peppers aren't just for decoration — the more bright colors you can pile onto your plate, the healthier your meal will be.
Here's a clever trick to pack veggies into these Latin-inspired stuffed potatoes: Chop the carrots, onion and tomato into small pieces that go almost unnoticed when cooked with the ground beef. It's perfect for that picky vegetable eater who's trying to eat healthier.
This self-serve meal lets kids load up open-face quesadillas with their choice of toppings. For little kids: Let them assemble the quesadillas before baking. For big kids: Let them add the seasonings to the beef and help cut up the vegetables for the toppings.
Anyone who thinks salads are a little too dainty will want in on this taco rendition. With chile-spiced beef and sharp cheddar cheese over a bed of greens, all doused with a chunky tomato-lime dressing and topped by corn chips, it has high-impact flavor to satisfy even big appetites.
