Healthy Beef Dinners in 45 Minutes or Less

A summer classic leans into fall with roasted butternut squash, tart-sweet dried cranberries, and fresh rosemary. Find peeled, diced fresh butternut squash in the produce section. You can sub crumbled goat cheese or feta for the blue cheese and walnuts or pecans for the hazelnuts.

These burger steaks deliver classic meatloaf flavor with more glazy, crispy crust. A quick tomato gravy mimics a savory ketchup topping.

Time: 25 minutes

Veg Out: Substitute sliced cremini mushrooms for the steak and add an extra cup of spinach to the filling for a vegetarian main.

Serve with Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

Time: 35 minutes

Lighter Choice: Instead of a fried shell, crunchy tortilla chips mingle in a base of crisp, sturdy romaine. Try leftover mild, crumbly queso fresco in Mexican egg scrambles, burritos, or stuffed poblano peppers.

Serve with Cilantro and Almond Pilaf

Time: 40 minutes

Spice It Up: Cracked whole spices give the steak a great crust. Use the bottom of a heavy skillet to gently crush until cracked.

Serve with Elote-Style Zucchini Noodles

Time: 30 minutes

Make Ahead: Grill the steak and cook the sweet potatoes a day or two ahead. Reheat the potatoes while you assemble the salad.

Serve with Mini Baked Sweet Potatoes

Time: 25 minutes

Boozy Subs: While brandy is traditional in the sauce, you can substitute Madeira or dry white wine.

Serve with Sautéed Haricots Verts with Red Bell Pepper and Lemon

Time: 35 minutes

Show Off: Load up the nachos on a baking sheet, then bring straight to the table for easy serving and a great presentation.

Serve with Zucchini, Carrot, and Radish Salad

Time: 35 minutes

Use It Up: Oyster sauce is salty and slightly sweet. Stir into cooked rice noodles, mix with mayo for a sandwich spread, or add to stir-fries.

Serve with Sesame Soba Noodles

Time: 40 minutes

Top It Off: Garnish the steak with fresh red onion, cilantro, garlic, and lime for a great look and a bit of extra flavor in every bite.

Serve with Grilled Corn and Bell Pepper Salad