Seven iron-rich meals to fuel your family

New Zealand beef and lamb aren’t just delicious; they’re also packed with iron, an essential nutrient that keeps your family energised and thriving. Even better, they contain haem iron, the type your body absorbs more easily, and they help boost the absorption of iron from plant-based sources like vegetables, beans, and legumes. From Mongolian Beef to Mexican fajitas, here are seven tasty, iron-rich recipes the whole family will love.

a table topped with plates of food of beef strips, rice, broccoli and chopsticks.

Crispy Mongolian beef

Crispy, sticky, and packed with iron, this air-fried Mongolian beef is a family favourite. Made with tender New Zealand beef and a caramelised soy-ginger sauce, it’s a quick, healthier way to satisfy everyone at the table.

a person is holding a frying pan over a wooden board with beef and beans in it topped with eggs.

Beef and bean shakshuka

Hearty, high in iron, and packed with protein, this beef and bean shakshuka is the perfect family brunch after weekend sport. Loaded with tender beef, eggs, and beans in chilli sauce. Just add warm ciabatta and dig in!

a plate of food on a table with quesadillas stuffed with lamb and beans and a side salad.

Lamb and bean quesadillas

Quick, crispy, and full of flavour, these lamb and bean quesadillas are loaded with iron from lean New Zealand lamb and fibre-rich beans. Air-fry until golden, then serve with a zingy mango salsa everyone will love!

a white plate topped with pasta and meat sauce on a wooden table.

Beef rigatoni with loaded veg sauce

This beef rigatoni with loaded veg sauce is a hearty, iron-rich twist on a family favourite. Blended roasted veggies boost the goodness without anyone noticing. Packed with protein and perfect for using up what’s in the fridge, it’s a delicious, fuss-free way to fuel the whole family.

a person is holding a plate of food with noodles, meat and lime wedges.

Cheat's beef pad Thai

This cheat’s Pad Thai is a fast, family-friendly favourite, made with iron-rich beef and Jenny’s Kitchen Tamarind Chutney for that classic tangy flavour. With crunchy veg and tender noodles, it’s a quick, tasty way to get dinner on the table and everyone asking for seconds.

a person is holding a bowl of food with tomatoes and lamb mince.

Turkish lamb pasta

This Turkish lamb pasta is a speedy, iron-rich dinner inspired by the viral TikTok hit. With paprika-spiced lamb mince, lemony garlic yoghurt, and your favourite pasta, it’s a flavour-packed family meal ready in under 20 minutes.

a tray with a tortilla, a bowl of meat, cheese, limes and sour cream.

Mexican fajitas

Bring the fiesta to your table with these beef fajitas; packed with iron-rich steak, fresh capsicums, and crisp lettuce. Serve with warm tortillas and a squeeze of lime for a quick, vibrant family feast everyone will love!