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# **Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet: A Quick, Delicious, and Nutritious Meal**
Cooking a tasty and satisfying meal doesn’t always require hours of preparation or an extensive list of ingredients. One of the best ways to achieve a delicious, family-friendly dinner is by making a **ground beef and peppers skillet**. This versatile and hearty dish is not only simple to prepare but also highly customizable, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you need something easy and filling.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about making a **ground beef and peppers skillet**, from the basic recipe to variations, tips, and nutrition facts. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this dish is a fantastic option that combines savory ground beef with the vibrant, sweet flavors of bell peppers, all cooked in one skillet for a fuss-free meal.
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### **Why Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet?**
The **ground beef and peppers skillet** has become a popular dish for many home cooks because it’s versatile, inexpensive, and full of flavor. Here are some reasons why this recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a meal prep staple:
#### **1. Easy to Prepare**
Unlike some dishes that require complex techniques or a long list of ingredients, the ground beef and peppers skillet is incredibly straightforward. You can throw it together with just a few ingredients in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
#### **2. One-Skillet Wonder**
Cooking in a single pan means minimal cleanup, making this dish a favorite for those who want to spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying their meal. Plus, the skillet method allows the flavors to meld together while keeping everything in one place, making it ideal for busy individuals.
#### **3. Budget-Friendly**
Ground beef is one of the most affordable proteins available, and bell peppers are often reasonably priced as well. This makes the **ground beef and peppers skillet** a cost-effective choice for feeding a family or preparing a filling meal on a budget.
#### **4. Nutritionally Balanced**
This dish provides a great balance of protein from the ground beef, vitamins, and fiber from the peppers, and healthy fats from cooking with oil. You can also easily add other vegetables or grains to enhance the meal and increase its nutritional value.
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### **Basic Ingredients for Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet**
Before jumping into the preparation, let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make up this savory skillet dish. While you can always tweak the recipe to suit your taste, these are the basics that every **ground beef and peppers skillet** needs:
#### **1. Ground Beef**
The primary protein source in this dish is **ground beef**. It provides flavor, texture, and richness that makes this dish hearty and filling. While ground beef is a classic choice, you can substitute it with other meats like **ground turkey**, **chicken**, or even **ground pork** for a lighter option. When selecting ground beef, aim for something between 80% and 90% lean to get a balance of flavor and moisture without excessive fat.
#### **2. Bell Peppers**
Bell peppers are the vegetable star of the dish. You can use a variety of colors like red, yellow, orange, or green, depending on what’s available or what you prefer. Red bell peppers, in particular, are sweeter and add a nice contrast to the savory ground beef. Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a great addition to this skillet meal.
#### **3. Onion**
Onions are another essential ingredient in the **ground beef and peppers skillet**, contributing sweetness and depth to the flavor profile. Yellow onions or red onions work well, but you can also experiment with other types, like shallots or green onions, for a different taste.
#### **4. Garlic**
Garlic is a must-have when cooking savory dishes. It adds a rich aroma and depth of flavor that complements the beef and peppers. Fresh garlic works best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
#### **5. Seasonings**
A blend of seasonings can make all the difference in a ground beef dish. Common seasonings for a **ground beef and peppers skillet** include:
– **Chili powder**
– **Cumin**
– **Paprika**
– **Oregano**
– **Salt and pepper**
These spices are staples in many Tex-Mex and Southwestern recipes, giving the dish a warm and slightly smoky flavor. You can always adjust the seasoning based on your personal preferences or what you have available in your pantry.
#### **6. Olive Oil or Other Cooking Oil**
Cooking the ground beef and vegetables requires oil to help sauté the ingredients. Olive oil is a popular choice due to its mild flavor and health benefits, but you can also use vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
#### **7. Optional Add-ins**
To make your skillet even heartier or to customize it to your liking, you can consider adding extra ingredients such as:
– **Black beans** or **pinto beans** for more fiber and protein.
– **Corn** for a pop of sweetness.
– **Jalapeños** for a spicy kick.
– **Cheese** (like cheddar or Monterey Jack) for a creamy, indulgent finish.
– **Rice** or **quinoa** for added texture and bulk.
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### **How to Make Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet**
Now that we know the basic ingredients, let’s break down the steps to create the perfect **ground beef and peppers skillet**.
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
Before you start cooking, take a few moments to prep the ingredients:
– Slice the **bell peppers** and **onion** into thin strips.
– Mince the **garlic**.
– If you’re adding any other vegetables, beans, or grains, have them ready to go.
#### **Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef**
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1–2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the **ground beef** and season with salt and pepper. Break the meat apart with a spatula or spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat (if necessary) and remove the beef from the skillet. Set it aside on a plate.
#### **Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and toss in the **onion** and **bell peppers**. Cook over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and caramelize slightly. Add the minced **garlic** and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
If you’re adding **jalapeños** or other vegetables, include them now and sauté for another minute or two.
#### **Step 4: Combine Beef and Vegetables**
Return the cooked **ground beef** to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine everything and allow it to cook together for another 3–4 minutes so that the flavors meld. At this point, add the seasonings: **chili powder**, **cumin**, **paprika**, **oregano**, salt, and pepper. Stir well, ensuring the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you like it spicier, you can add some **cayenne pepper** or **red pepper flakes** for extra heat.
#### **Step 5: Optional Add-ins**
If you’re adding beans, corn, or cooked grains (like rice or quinoa), now is the time to incorporate them into the skillet. Stir them in and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes to heat everything through. If you’re using **cheese**, sprinkle it on top of the mixture and let it melt before serving.
#### **Step 6: Serve**
Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve! You can enjoy your **ground beef and peppers skillet** on its own or pair it with a side of **tortillas**, **rice**, or **salad**. Garnish with **cilantro**, a squeeze of **lime juice**, or a dollop of **sour cream** for added freshness.
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