Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet,

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:

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion, slice the bell peppers, and mince the garlic.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve warm as is, over rice or pasta, or topped with shredded cheese.

Variations:

  1. Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
  2. Tex-Mex Style:
    • Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
    • Serve with tortilla chips or in a burrito wrap.
  3. Italian-Style:
    • Swap cumin and paprika for Italian herbs (basil, thyme, rosemary).
    • Top with Parmesan or mozzarella cheese and serve with pasta.
  4. Spicy Kick:
    • Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
  5. 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!

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