Here’s a guide to preparing a flavorful Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet, including ingredients, construction, variations, and tips:
Ingredients:
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2-3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella)
- ½ cup beef broth (if adding tomatoes or rice)
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Construction:
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion, slice the bell peppers, and mince the garlic.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil.
- Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Toss in the bell peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine:
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (if using), spices, and any optional broth or seasonings.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve:
- Serve warm as is, over rice or pasta, or topped with shredded cheese.
Variations:
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Tex-Mex Style:
- Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
- Serve with tortilla chips or in a burrito wrap.
- Italian-Style:
- Swap cumin and paprika for Italian herbs (basil, thyme, rosemary).
- Top with Parmesan or mozzarella cheese and serve with pasta.
- Spicy Kick:
- Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Vegetable-Loaded:
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for more veggies.
Tips:
- Meat Options: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for variation.
- Pre-Cutting: Prep all veggies ahead of time for a quicker cooking process.
- One-Pot Meal: If adding rice, cook it directly in the skillet with broth for a complete one-pan dish.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Enjoy this versatile, hearty, and customizable dish!