Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet,

Here’s a guide to preparing a flavorful Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet, including ingredients, construction, variations, and tips:

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!