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!