Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet is a versatile, one-pan dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Combining the robust flavors of seasoned ground beef with the vibrant, sweet taste of bell peppers, this dish is both hearty and packed with nutrients. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and nutritious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
The beauty of this skillet dish lies in its simplicity and the way the ingredients come together. Ground beef serves as the base, providing a rich, meaty flavor that’s enhanced by a blend of spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. These spices give the dish a warm, smoky undertone with just a hint of heat, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
The bell peppers—red, green, and yellow—add a pop of color and sweetness that complements the savory beef perfectly. As the peppers cook down, they become tender while still retaining a slight crunch, adding texture and freshness to the dish. The onions and garlic provide a fragrant, aromatic base, infusing the entire skillet with deep, savory notes.
Diced tomatoes are added to bring a bit of acidity and moisture, helping to meld all the flavors together. As the mixture simmers, the tomatoes break down slightly, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the beef and vegetables, ensuring that every bite is juicy and delicious.
This dish is incredibly adaptable—you can serve it over rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter option. It’s also great as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. The versatility of this dish makes it a staple in any kitchen, as you can easily customize it with different vegetables or spices based on what you have on hand.
Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet is not just about convenience; it’s about maximizing flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender beef, colorful peppers, and a blend of spices creates a dish that’s comforting, filling, and incredibly tasty. It’s a meal that the whole family will love, and with its quick cooking time, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for those busy days when you need something fast, easy, and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced red, green, and yellow bell peppers to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook until the peppers start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes, mixing everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the peppers to soften further.
- Serve:
- Once the dish is ready, remove it from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve the ground beef and peppers skillet over cooked rice or quinoa if desired, or enjoy it on its own.
Tips:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness. For a milder dish, reduce the amount, or for extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a side of warm tortillas or can be used as a filling for tacos or burritos.
