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These 12 top-rated recipes call for lean cuts of beef. But they still bring big flavor, by replacing the fat with flavorful marinades or slow, flavor-building preparations. But before we get to the recipes, here's the skinny on lean versus extra-lean beef. According to the USDA, a serving (3.5 ounces) of beef is considered lean if it has less than 10 grams of total fat and 4.5 grams of saturated fat. Extra-lean beef has less than 5 grams of total fat, 2 grams of saturated fat. Check out these low-calorie beef recipes with big, big flavor!
Sirloin Marinara
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Strips of lean sirloin are sauteed with onions and garlic and simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce. "Very easy and delicious," says Kathy. "We are trying to eat less carbs so I served it with cauliflower rice instead of potatoes and that worked great!"
Steak Fajitas
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Look for a lean steak for these fajitas, like sirloin steak or flank steak.
Slow-Cooker Pepper Steak
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Strips of sirloin cook slowly until very tender and flavorful. "This recipe is one of our family's favorites," says MJWAGNER68. "It's great to make ahead of time in the slow cooker and then serve over rice, egg noodles, or chow mein."
Adobo Sirloin
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"Juicy top sirloin is marinated in a spicy chipotle chile sauce. This meat is great by itself, but could also make great fajitas," says Tracie Commins.
Cuban Beef and Zucchini Kebabs with Mojo Sauce
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Skewers of lean sirloin steak are grilled with fresh zucchini and served with a flavorful sauce of OJ, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, and olive oil.
Momma's Healthy Meatloaf
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This healthier versions of meatloaf is made with extra-lean ground beef and loads of fresh vegetables.
Healthier Stuffed Peppers
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"This healthier stuffed peppers recipe uses an assortment of colored peppers, lean ground beef, brown rice, fresh onion, garlic, and tomato sauce," says MakeItHealthy. "So colorful and so healthy!"
Cabbage Rolls II
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Stuff cabbage leaves with ground beef, onions. and rice, cover in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, and cook in the slow cooker. "Use VERY lean ground beef!" suggests KRANEY. "You don't cook the meat before rolling it into the cabbage leaves, so there will be no way to drain off the fat."
Northern Italian Beef Stew
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Top round steak is one of the leanest cuts of beef around. Here it simmers in a hearty beef and veggie stew. And as Karen Barris Calabro says, "If you actually find yourself with leftovers, this stew is also the backbone for an excellent beef soup."
Flank Steak a la Willyboy
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Flank steak is another lean choice. It also goes by the name London Broil. Remember to cut flank steak across the grain into thin strips — it will be more tender and easier to chew.
Caprese Salad with Grilled Flank Steak
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Top a simple Caprese salad with grilled flank steak. "This is a fresh, healthy, easy-to-make salad with a twist," says cookinmama.
Greek Flank Steak and Veggie Salad
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"Tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers roast along with the steak, creating a crunchy, juicy salad that just begs to be topped with feta," says Molly Gilbert.
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