This easy Summer BBQ Beef Flatbread with Laura’s Lean Ground Beef is the perfect 4th of July cookout recipe — fresh, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Every summer, the cookout spread looks the same — burgers, hot dogs, maybe a pasta salad that’s been sitting in the sun too long. And I love all of that! But this year, I wanted to bring something a little different to the table that still felt completely summer and still had that BBQ energy we all want in late June.

Enter: the Summer BBQ Beef Flatbread.

It’s got a savory BBQ beef mixture (made with Laura’s Lean Ground Beef — my go-to for a leaner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor), melted mozzarella, and the freshest summer toppings you can find. It’s fast, shareable, and honestly more fun than another basic burger.

WHY LAURA’S LEAN?

I’ve been reaching for Laura’s Lean Ground Beef a lot this summer, and here’s the honest reason: it’s 92% lean, which means I’m getting a lighter beef without that heavy, greasy feeling — but it still has real flavor. For a flatbread where the beef is the star, that matters. You want every bite to be satisfying, not just filling.

THE RECIPE

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 1 lb Laura’s Lean Ground Beef (92% lean)
• 2–3 flatbreads
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ red onion, finely diced (+ extra for topping)
• 3 tbsp BBQ sauce (+ extra for drizzle)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt + pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Handful of arugula
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Extra BBQ drizzle to finish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (or fire up the grill).
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook garlic and red onion until softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Add Laura’s Lean Ground Beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Once cooked through, stir in BBQ sauce and Worcestershire. Cook another 1–2 minutes until everything is coated and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
5. Dress flatbreads with a layer of BBQ sauce, then spread the beef mixture on top. Top generously with mozzarella.
6. Bake or grill until cheese is melted and edges are golden, about 8–10 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and immediately pile on arugula, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
8. Finish with a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Slice and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Cook the flatbread on a grill grate for extra char and that real cookout feel
• Serve sliced in pieces for easy sharing at parties

This one is going on repeat all summer. Whether it’s the 4th of July, a backyard hangout, or a Tuesday night when you want something a little extra — the Summer BBQ Beef Flatbread delivers every time.

Also — Laura’s Lean is running a fun summer giveaway right now! Check it out https://www.lauraslean.com/national-grilling-giveaway.

Tag me @dietandfries if you make this — I love seeing your recreations!