Lean meats, a November Foods of the Month, are a wonderful way to get tons of protein without the added fat. Be sure to select cuts of meat that are 93% or more fat free to get the healthiest types. Also, don’t be worried that these leaner cuts of meats won’t taste as good as the fattier ones; whether you eat them simply prepared or add lots of flavorful veggies, lean meats are the way to go!
Is your idea of eating meat dishes a plain hamburger or chicken breast? If so, you are in the right place to get a little more lean meat cooking inspiration. Read on to find out to some creative ways to cook with lean meats!
Chicken Roll-ups – Stuffed chicken breasts are full of flavor! Pound a chicken breast so it’s very thin, then add your favorite ingredients inside. We like anything from spinach and feta (for a Greek inspired roll-up) to jalepenos, peppers, and low-fat pepper jack cheese for a super spicy meal! Once you’ve added your stuffing, roll up the breasts, secure with a toothpick, then bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Grilled Pork Loins – Pork loins are another source of lean meat! Simply marinade pork loins in your favorite marinade, then throw on the grill for a healthy and quick dinner. Each pork loin has about 16 grams of protein!
Extra Lean Deli Sandwiches – Next time you visit your deli for lunch, skip salami and bologna, which are fatty cuts of meat. Instead, try low sodium turkey or ham on whole wheat with lots of veggies and avocado for good fat!
Lean Meatballs and Spaghetti (see image below) – Have you ever made meatballs in a slow cooker? This is our favorite way to make this dish, since it requires very little cooking. We use 95% lean beef (sirloin) to make our meatballs, and add eggs, parmesan cheese breadcrumbs, salt and pepper, onion and a splash of Worcestershire sauce (the secret ingredient!). Add meatballs to slow cooker and pour tomato sauce over them. Cook on low for 8 hours and serve with whole wheat pasta or by themselves!
