Delicious beef recipes to start your new year out strong

(BPT) – The new year is a time to refocus on your health and the things that bring you joy. Fortunately, what you eat can help you achieve both and getting your year off to a strong start, both literally and figuratively, is easy, especially when you try new recipes featuring delicious, wholesome ingredients like beef.”A balanced diet that includes high-quality protein and other nutrient-rich foods is an essential component for strength,” said Registered Dietitian Amy Goodson. “Beef is a complete protein that contains all the essential amino acids the body needs to support physical activity and a strong, healthy life.”Not only does beef help you maintain your strength while satisfying hunger, this high-quality protein can also help you feel energized so you can be your best throughout the day. “The iron in beef, which is more easily absorbed than iron from plant sources, can help prevent fatigue,” Goodson said.You can start the new year out strong with new recipes that fuel your body and delight the palate. Be inspired by these beef recipes from the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand, funded by the Beef Checkoff:Pomegranate Steak with QuinoaThis colorful dish features beef strip steak that is marinated in pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar and herbs, then served with quinoa and more pomegranates for garnish.Ingredients:2 beef strip steak, boneless, cut 3/4 inch thick (about 8 ounces each)2 ounces goat cheese, crumbledPomegranate seeds (optional)Marinade and sauce:1 cup pomegranate juice1/4 cup balsamic vinegar2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme2 tablespoons olive oil3 cloves garlic, minced2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard1/2 teaspoon pepperQuinoa:1 cup uncooked quinoa2 cups beef or vegetable broth1 cup thinly sliced fresh baby spinach1/2 cup pomegranate arils or sweetened dried cranberries1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts (optional)Directions:Combine marinade and sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Reserve 3/4 cup for basting sauce. Place boneless beef strip steaks and remaining marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steaks to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours.Meanwhile, prepare basting sauce. Pour reserved 3/4 cup marinade into small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook 15 to 20 minutes or until reduced by half and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Set aside.Cook quinoa in broth in medium saucepan according to package directions. Stir in spinach, pomegranate arils and walnuts. Keep warm.Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 7 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, times remain the same) for medium rare (145 F) to medium (160 F) doneness, turning occasionally and basting with sauce.Cook’s tip: To cook on grill pan, heat nonstick grill pan over medium heat until hot. Place steaks on grill pan; cook 10 to 12 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally and basting with sauce.Carve steaks into slices; season with salt, as desired. Place quinoa on serving platter; top with cheese. Arrange beef around quinoa. Garnish with pomegranate arils, if desired.Champagne Steak Salad with Blue CheeseGrilled steak and peppers grace the top of this salad, which is spiked with a champagne vinaigrette for an incredible dish full of vitamins and nutrients.Ingredients:2 beef ranch steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 8 ounces each)1 pound green beans, trimmed2 teaspoons crushed mixed peppercorns (black, white, pink and green)2 medium red and/or yellow bell peppers, cut into quarters1 package (5 ounces) mixed salad greens1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion1/4 cup crumbled blue cheeseVinaigrette:1/4 cup champagne or white wine vinegar2 tablespoons olive oil2 tablespoons maple syrup1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon freshly ground mixed peppercornsDirections:Bring 1-inch water to a boil in medium saucepan. Add green beans, cover and cook 4 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain; set aside.Meanwhile, combine vinaigrette ingredients in small bowl; set aside.Press 2 teaspoons peppercorns evenly onto beef ranch steaks. Place steaks in center of grid over medium, ash-covered coals; arrange peppers around steak. Grill steaks, covered, 11 to 14 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 12 to 16 minutes) for medium rare (145 F) to medium (160 F) doneness. Grill peppers 7 to 11 minutes (gas grill times remain the same) or until crisp-tender, turning steaks and vegetables occasionally.Cook’s tip: One pound beef top sirloin steak, cut 1-inch, thick may be substituted for ranch steaks. For charcoal, grill, covered, 11 to 15 minutes (for gas, grill, covered, 13 to 16 minutes) for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally.Carve steaks into thin slices. Cut peppers into 1-1/2-inch pieces. Season beef and vegetables with salt, as desired. Divide salad greens among four serving bowls; top evenly with vegetables. Arrange beef on salad. Sprinkle with blue cheese. Drizzle with vinaigrette.