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### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet**
Follow these easy steps to prepare your own ground beef and peppers skillet. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together!
#### Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell peppers into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. Measure out the spices and have the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth ready to go.
#### Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
#### Step 3: Add the Onions, Garlic, and Bell Peppers
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Next, add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the peppers start to soften but still maintain some crunch.
#### Step 4: Season the Skillet
Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, paprika, and dried oregano over the mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the beef and peppers with the spices. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the spices cook for about 1-2 minutes to bring out their flavors.
#### Step 5: Add the Tomatoes and Beef Broth
Once the spices are well incorporated, add the tomato paste to the skillet, stirring it into the mixture. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir everything together, ensuring that the beef, peppers, and onions are evenly coated with the sauce.
#### Step 6: Simmer and Let the Flavors Meld
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly, and the flavors will meld together. If you prefer a saucier dish, feel free to add more beef broth or water at this stage.
#### Step 7: Taste and Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. If you want more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños.
#### Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the skillet is ready, garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice. You can serve the dish immediately over rice, with tortillas, or simply on its own.
### **Variations of Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet**
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify it to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:
#### 1. **Add More Veggies**:
You can add other vegetables to the skillet for added nutrition and flavor. Zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or even spinach would work well with the other ingredients.
#### 2. **Make it Spicy**:
If you love spicy food, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the skillet to give it an extra kick.
#### 3. **Use Ground Turkey or Chicken**:
For a leaner alternative to ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken. Both options will still work well with the spices and peppers.
#### 4. **Add Beans**:
For a more filling dish, add black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans to the skillet. This adds fiber and makes the meal more substantial.
#### 5. **Turn It into a Casserole**:
If you want a baked version of this dish, transfer the skillet mixture into a casserole dish, top it with cheese, and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
### **Healthy Modifications**
While ground beef and peppers skillet is already a relatively healthy dish, you can make a few tweaks to make it even lighter:
– **Use Lean Ground Beef**: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce the fat content of the dish.
– **Swap Beef Broth for Vegetable Broth**: If you want to cut down on the richness, swap beef broth for vegetable broth.
– **Use Less Oil**: You can reduce the amount of oil used in the recipe or substitute it with a non-stick cooking spray to save on calories.
– **Add Extra Veggies**: The more vegetables you add, the lower the calorie density of the dish, making it a more wholesome and nutritious meal.
### **Conclusion**
The ground beef and peppers skillet is a quick, delicious, and versatile meal that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder is a keeper.
With its customizable nature, you can easily adjust the recipe to fit your tastes, dietary preferences, or the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you choose to add extra veggies, make it spicier, or swap out the protein, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.
So, the next time you need a quick and easy dinner, grab a skillet, ground beef, and peppers, and you’re just moments away from a flavorful meal!
