Easy Summer Meals with Laura’s Lean

By the time late July rolls around, summer vacation is in full swing — and let’s be honest, so is the fatigue. The days are long, the weather is hot, and moms everywhere are looking for ways to simplify life without sacrificing what matters most: family meals that bring everyone to the table. When the thought of standing over a hot stove or grill feels like too much, it’s time to turn to recipes that are as cool and easygoing as your ideal summer evening.

That’s where Laura’s Lean Beef comes in. This week, we’re serving up five stress-free recipes that check all the boxes: minimal ingredients, no-fuss instructions, and flavors the whole family will love. From crisp salad pockets to an easy-bake Mexican casserole and air fryer tacos that turn pasta into a crunchy surprise, this menu was made to keep your kitchen cool and your people happy.

Ground Beef Thai Salad

Fresh, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, this Thai-inspired salad features quick-seared beef, vibrant veggies, and a zesty peanut dressing.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Laura’s Lean Ground Beef
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 sweet onion, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp honey
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Napa cabbage and butter lettuce, chopped
• Red bell pepper, carrot, cucumber, and edamame, julienned or chopped
• Crushed peanuts

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp natural peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp honey
• Pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook ground beef in sesame oil with onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and caramelized.
2. Whisk together all dressing ingredients.
3. Assemble salad in bowls: greens, vegetables, beef, dressing. Top with green onion and peanuts.

Ground Beef Caesar Salad Pita Pockets

A no-fork-required Caesar salad with seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, and sun-dried tomatoes in a soft pita pocket.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Laura’s Lean Ground Beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• Caesar dressing
• 4 pita bread pockets

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully cooked.
2. Toss lettuce and sun-dried tomatoes with Caesar dressing.
3. Slice pitas in half and gently open pockets.
4. Fill each with beef and dressed salad. Serve immediately.

Sweet Chili & Beef Salad with Rice Noodles

Cool and satisfying, this dish pairs lightly spicy beef with rice noodles and crisp vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Laura’s Lean Ground Beef
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced thin
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 6 oz rice vermicelli noodles, cooked and cooled
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• Fresh basil and cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet. Add beef and cook until browned. Stir in sweet chili sauce and reduce heat.
2. In a bowl, combine cooled noodles, greens, cucumber, and red onion.
3. Top with beef mixture and garnish with fresh herbs. Squeeze lime over top if desired.

Easy Lightened-Up Mexican Casserole

A weeknight lifesaver that’s layered, cheesy, and satisfying without feeling heavy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Laura’s Lean Ground Beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
• 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
• 2 cups fat-free salsa
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 10 small corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, olives, green onions, chopped tomato

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, cook beef with onion and garlic until browned. Stir in salsa, beans, corn, green chiles, and taco seasoning.
3. Spread 1/3 of enchilada sauce on bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer tortillas, beef mixture, enchilada sauce, and repeat.
4. Top with cheese and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving with toppings.

Air Fryer Ground Beef Pasta Tacos

A crispy, creative twist on taco night using jumbo pasta shells and the air fryer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Laura’s Lean Ground Beef
• 24 jumbo pasta shells
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 jar chunky salsa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1.5 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• Sour cream and lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta shells, rinse, and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook beef with spices, onion, and salsa until thickened. Add beans.
3. Stuff shells with beef mixture and cheese.
4. Brush with olive oil and place in air fryer at 375°F for 6–8 minutes or until crisp.
5. Top with tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream before serving.

Final Thoughts

Late July is hot, and mom deserves a break. These five no-fuss recipes are exactly what summer meals should be: flavorful, light, and fast. With Laura’s Lean Ground Beef, you’re getting the same delicious results without added hormones, antibiotics, or anything extra — just clean, honest protein that lets the fresh ingredients shine. Here’s to keeping your cool and feeding your family well. You’ve got this!

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