Do you go weak in the knees for pork and meatballs? Does nothing please you more than a great cut of beef? Then you’ll dig this list of mouth-wateringly carnivorous recipes. (Vegetarians, you’re gonna want to redirect yourselves here.)
It’s true that meat sometimes contains high levels of saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk for stroke and heart disease. But, there are plenty of lean cuts of meat that won’t clog your arteries — and offer satiating sources of protein and iron.
So fire up your grills and get your steak knives ready. We’ve got 10 healthy turkey, pork and beef recipes that will satisfy your meat cravings in no time.
Cooking for Carnivores
1. Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Mango-Habanero Salsa Recipe
Pork enthusiasts: Just say no to bacon, and yes to tenderloin if you’re looking to stay lean. Tenderloin boasts 75 percent of its calories from protein, not fat, making it a no-brainer for health-minded meat eaters. Layer on some mango habanero salsa if you want to add some fiery flavor to your plate. Can’t take the heat? Try these salsas instead.
2. Mini Meatloaf Recipe
A classic meatloaf (like the kind your grandma used to make) can contain a frightening 15 grams of saturated fat per serving. Lean ground beef and turkey, paired with skim milk and whole-wheat breadcrumbs make this mini-loaf more of a guilt-free affair. With just three grams of saturated fat per serving, you can rest easy knowing you didn’t consume more than a Big Mac’s worth of the bad stuff in your meal.
3. Steak and Quinoa Salad Recipe
Protein lovers, prepare yourselves: This recipe packs a whopping 40 grams, thanks to the double whammy of both steak and quinoa in each serving. Rounded out with some greens including spinach, squash and bell peppers, this mix will put to rest that nasty myth that salads can’t be filling.
4. Pork Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Who needs bread? Lettuce wraps won’t drown out the taste of this masterfully seasoned pork. Be sure to drain the excess fat after frying up your pork in the pan, to cut out excess calories (we guarantee you won’t miss ‘em).
5. Turkey Sausage and Kale Frittata Recipe
If your breakfast just isn’t complete without a side of sausage, this concoction will hit the spot. Turkey sausage and a combo of whole eggs and egg whites lighten up this dish, which also contains the mother of all fiber-rich superfoods — kale.
6. Steak Fajitas Recipe
Fajitas may seem healthier than a burrito the size of your head. But only by swapping out skirt steak (the traditional go-to) for top round will you get an entrée with 100 fewer calories and 86 percent less fat per serving. We’ll cheers to that with a margarita, please.
7. Zucchini Noodles and Meatballs Recipe
These noodles may not be the real deal (they’re made from zucchini, not pasta), but the meatballs sure are. Lightened up with lean ground turkey and seasoned with whole wheat bread crumbs, Parmesan and garlic, this meal will leave you full and fueled — but not stuffed. The zucchini contains folate, which supports metabolism, and magnesium, which helps maintain muscle function (so prepare to show off your bicep flex).
8. Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
This restaurant-quality steak flavored with spicy arugula-based chimichurri sauce will take you just five minutes to prep, and five more to cook. There are only four steps to this recipe (and one of them involves turning on the grill), so we’re pretty sure even a true kitchen rookie can pull off this dish.
9. Quick and Easy Taco Salad Recipe
Mounds of ground beef, piled atop crispy lettuce and finished off with shredded cheese, salsa and tortilla chips. One word: Yum. Look for lean ground beef to keep this recipe lower-calorie, and choose baked tortilla chips instead of fried to forego additional fat. No dressing necessary, just top with a squeeze of lime and enjoy.
10. Turkey Chili with White Beans Recipe
There’s nothing like a bowl of savory, meaty homemade chili. Using lean ground turkey, fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth and a mixture of canned tomatoes and white beans, this protein and fiber-rich stew will hit the spot. Season with black pepper and lime juice after it’s done, to get the flavor just the way you like it.
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about #MeatlessMonday! Even true carnivores will love these 14 Best Proteins for Meatless Meals.