Jim’s Special Ground Beef Recipe: Healthy, Tasty, and Simple

Now I’m no chef so don’t expect a gourmet meal here. This is all about simplicity – it’s easy to cook after a hard day’s work – nutritional, tasty, and budget-friendly.

There are minimal ingredients but they all serve a purpose. Not only does this meal give you a great nutritional boost, but as far as ground beef recipes go, it tastes damn good.

Plus, if you struggle with the taste of liver and other organ meats, this is a great way of getting them into your life without suffering the taste.

Many local or online butchers sell ground beef and organ meat blends. Most have liver and heart, but some throw others in, like spleen.

You’ll notice there’s not a vegetable in sight – no onions, no sautéed mushrooms, no tomatoes, no mashed potatoes, and not even garlic.

There’s no Worcestershire sauce, no tomato sauce, or any other sauce for that matter.

But, you can shake things up a bit here – there are no rules. If you don’t eat bacon then don’t use it – I don’t always. If you’d prefer not to top it with cheese – no bother.

Hell, if you want to smother it in sour cream – well… you do you!

So let’s crack on… but first I want to run you through the nutritional benefits of this meal.

What Makes “Jim’s Special” So Nutritious?

Forget superfoods from far-off lands – Jim’s Special is packed with some of the most nutrient-dense ingredients right from your butcher of choice.

This recipe is built on real, whole foods that are simple, satisfying, and loaded with what your body needs and craves.

The Nutrient-Dense Power of Ground Beef and Organ Meats

Ground beef and organ meats are at the heart of this recipe, delivering bioavailable protein and a wealth of nutrients like B12, iron, and folate. These nutrients support muscle growth, sustain energy, and keep your brain sharp.

Organ meats – Mother Nature’s Superfoods – provide unmatched levels of iron and B vitamins, fueling your body in ways processed foods simply can’t.

Bone Broth and Marrow Fat: Ancient Fuel for Modern Health

Bone broth and marrow fat add more than just rich flavor. Bone broth brings collagen and gelatin for healthy joints and gut support, while marrow fat is packed with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) that bolster immune function and brain health.

These ingredients were essentials for our ancestors – and they’re just as powerful today.

Bacon, Eggs, and Cheese: Flavor Meets Function

The bacon and eggs bring healthy fats and protein, rounding out Jim’s Special with lasting satiety and nutrient absorption. Choline from eggs boosts brain health, while the cheese tops it all off with calcium and protein, along with gut-friendly probiotics if you choose a high-quality option.

With Jim’s Special, you’re not just eating – you’re fueling up with ingredients that support your energy, health, and well-being. It’s simple, hearty, and built for real results.

Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Jim’s Special

Ingredients You’ll Need

The below is for 2 decent-sized servings. This does me for dinner and lunch the next day.

• A pack of streaky bacon (I go for smoked for extra flavor) – choppped
• 1 mug of beef bone broth
• 20oz/600g ground beef with organ meat (don’t worry, the flavors blend beautifully)
• 3-4 tablespoons Marrowfat (leftover from cooking marrow bone previously)
• 2-3 eggs
• Salt to taste
• 3.5oz/100g cheese of your choice (sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or any melt-friendly cheese) – grated

Instructions: How to Cook Jim’s Special

1. Brown the Bacon

Grab a large frying pan or saucepan and get it heated over medium. Add the bacon to the pan and let them brown up nicely. The goal here is crispy edges and that irresistible bacon aroma.

2. Add the Bone Broth and Reduce

Pour in your mug of beef bone broth and let it mingle with the bacon. Turn up the heat slightly and let the broth reduce until about one-quarters remains. This step intensifies the flavors and gives the dish a rich, hearty taste that’ll make every bite satisfying.

3. Add the Ground Meat and Marrow Fat

Lower the heat a touch, then add your ground beef & organ meat mix to the pan along with the marrow fat.

Break up the meat with a spatula and keep stirring as it browns. The marrowfat will melt into the meat, giving it a buttery richness you won’t get from just ground beef alone.

4. Scramble in the Eggs

Once the meat is browned and smells incredible, crack in your eggs and scramble them right into the meat.

This step ties everything together, giving the dish extra texture and a protein boost. Keep stirring until the eggs are cooked and well mixed with the meat.

5. Season and Serve

Add salt to taste (go easy – bacon brings its own saltiness). Once seasoned, serve up Jim’s Special in your favorite bowl or plate.

6. Top with Cheese and Enjoy

Last but not least, sprinkle the cheese over the top while the dish is still hot. It’ll melt right in, adding a creamy, savory finish.

Bon Appétit!

Jim’s Special is served! This dish is packed with flavor, protein, and a whole lot of nutrients – all with minimal fuss in the kitchen. Whether you’re refueling after a long day or setting yourself up with a nutrient-rich meal, this ground beef recipe delivers on all fronts.

Nutrient Breakdown of Each Ingredient in Jim’s Special

How can something so easy to make – I mean, we only use one pan – with minimal ingredients be so healthy? And, there are no plant-based ingredients in sight!

Well, every ingredient contributes health-promoting nutrients as well as taste. If you want the proof, see below:

Ground Beef

• Protein: High-quality protein supports muscle repair, growth, and overall energy.
• Iron (heme iron): Essential for oxygen transport in the body, helping reduce fatigue and improve stamina.
• Vitamin B12: Critical for brain function, energy levels, and red blood cell production.
• Zinc: Boosts immune function and supports wound healing.
• Selenium: An antioxidant that protects cells from damage and supports thyroid function.
• Creatine: Naturally occurring in beef, creatine supports muscle energy and endurance.

Beef Liver

• Vitamin A: A powerhouse for vision, immune support, and skin health.
• Vitamin B12: Even higher concentrations than in ground beef, further boosting energy and cognitive function.
• Folate: Important for cell division and healthy DNA synthesis, especially beneficial for blood health.
• Iron: Rich in heme iron, beef liver is one of the best sources for preventing or treating iron deficiency.
• Copper: Aids in red blood cell formation and supports the immune system.
• Choline: Supports brain health, particularly memory and focus, and aids in liver function.

Beef Heart

• CoQ10: Essential for cellular energy production, heart health, and protection against oxidative stress.
• B Vitamins (especially B2, B6, and B12): Aid in energy production and help reduce fatigue.
• Zinc and Selenium: Both are critical for immune support and cellular protection.
• Phosphorus: Important for energy production and bone health.
• Iron: High levels of heme iron that support energy and help prevent fatigue.

Bone Broth

• Collagen and Gelatin: Aid in joint health, skin elasticity, and gut lining integrity.
• Glycine: Helps with sleep quality and supports liver detoxification.
• Minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium): Essential for bone health, hydration, and cellular function.

Marrow Fat

• Vitamin A, D, E, K: Fat-soluble vitamins that support immune health, vision, and bone strength.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Beneficial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health.
• Monounsaturated Fats: Good for heart health and may help lower LDL cholesterol.

Bacon

• Healthy Fats: Aid in nutrient absorption, especially for fat-soluble vitamins.
• B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6): Important for energy production and nervous system health.
• Protein: Adds to the meal’s protein content for muscle support and satiety.

Eggs

• Choline: Supports brain function, liver health, and cellular function.
• Complete Protein: Provides all essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth.
• Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Help protect eye health and reduce the risk of cataracts.
• Vitamin D (if pasture-raised): Vital for bone health and immune function.

Cheese

• Calcium: Critical for strong bones, muscle function, and nerve transmission.
• Protein: Adds additional muscle-supporting protein.
• Probiotics (if raw or aged cheese): Beneficial for gut health.
• Vitamin K2 (in certain cheeses): Supports bone and heart health by guiding calcium to bones and away from arteries.

Boom… Check out that list! You ain’t gettin’ all that from a Ceasar salad I can tell ya.

The incredible thing is, it tastes damn good too. I eat this for dinner and lunch at least twice a week and never bore of it.

Choosing High-Quality Ingredients for Jim’s Special

The key to making Jim’s Special a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor is using the highest quality ingredients you can find. Grass-fed and grass finished is ideal. Organic is good also but going organic is not as amazing as it sounds.

Here’s a guide to selecting the best sources for each ingredient, starting with the star of the show: ground beef with organ meats.

Ground Beef with Organ Meats: The Star Ingredient

To get the most out of Jim’s Special, quality ground beef mixed with organ meats is essential. Not only does it enhance flavor, but it also brings a wider range of nutrients that regular ground beef can’t match.

The blend I use from Gazegill (UK-based) contains liver and heart, but in the U.S. some options also include spleen, like White Oak Pastures’ Paleo Ground Beef.

Beef Bone Broth

For the rich, gut-supportive bone broth, quality matters just as much. Bone broth brings collagen, gelatin, and minerals that elevate this recipe’s nutrition.

While you can make your own, you can also find excellent pre-made options, like White Oak Pastures’ beef bone broth, which is slow-cooked and made from pasture-raised beef bones.

Check out my beef bone broth guide.

Marrow Fat

If you’ve got marrow fat leftover from cooking marrow bone previously, that’s fantastic. Otherwise, you can ask your butcher for marrow bones to render your own fat.

Farmers’ markets and butchers are often the best sources for marrow bones, ensuring you get a product that’s fresh and free from added preservatives.

Bacon and Eggs

Look for uncured, nitrate-free bacon to keep things as natural as possible, preferably from pasture-raised sources if you can find them.

Eggs should ideally be organic and pasture-raised, which brings out their nutritional best – especially in terms of vitamin D and omega-3s.

Cheese

The cheese in Jim’s Special is the final touch, adding richness and protein. High-quality raw or aged cheese from grass-fed cows will not only taste better but also provide a dose of probiotics for gut health.

Farmers’ markets or organic grocers often have a variety of cheese options to explore.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for inspiration to incorporate an animal-based or carnivore diet and essentially eat as our ancestors would’ve done – what I call the ultimate human diet – then I hope this recipe helps.

I was trying to think of an easy and quick meal that was aligned with my way of eating and I came up with this. It ain’t gonna make it onto any top 10 recipe lists or high-end restaurant menus, but it serves me well.

If you try it and go on to add it to your meal plan going forward then that’s amazing and makes the time I’ve spent writing this worthwhile.

Let’s face it, it’s about as nutritious as it gets, covering many bases with minimal ingredients. And, it’s a perfect introduction to getting organ meatsinto your diet which can only be a good thing and gets you started on the nose-to-tail way of eating.

The only favor I ask of you if you do try this… do let me know how you got on. Leave a comment or better still, post a pic on Facebook or Instagram and tag me in.

I can’t wait to see your creations.

And that’s it… have a nutritious day!