Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dinner that’s not just quick but also bursting with flavor, then you’ve hit the jackpot with this ground beef and peppers skillet! It’s one of those go-to recipes that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this for my family—we all gathered around the table, and the vibrant colors of the peppers just made everyone smile! Trust me, this dish is not only simple to whip up, but it’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies while still keeping it hearty and delicious.

Ingredients List

1 pound ground beef
2 bell peppers, diced (I love using a mix of red and green for that color pop!)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier, right?)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for that golden, delicious sauté!)

How to Prepare Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute—this is where the magic starts!
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until they’re fragrant and the onion is slightly translucent.
Next, stir in the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s nicely browned. Just make sure there are no pink spots left!
Now, toss in the diced bell peppers along with the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 more minutes, until the peppers are tender but still have a nice crunch.
Once it’s all cooked to perfection, serve it hot right from the skillet. It’s too good to wait!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It comes together in just about 25 minutes—perfect for those busy nights!
One-pan cooking means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book.
The vibrant colors of the peppers create a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds!
You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to suit your mood.
It’s a hearty dish that’s still light enough to leave you feeling great.
Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch!
Kids love it! The flavors are mild but delicious, making it a family favorite.

Tips for Success

Make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Nobody wants a pink center, so keep that spatula moving!
If you want to kick up the flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat. Wow, it really brings the dish to life!
Don’t shy away from mixing up your bell peppers! Yellow or orange bell peppers add a sweetness that balances beautifully with the savory beef.
Feel free to toss in other veggies like zucchini, corn, or even black beans. It’s a great way to use up what you have in the fridge!
Keep an eye on the cooking time when you sauté the onions and garlic. You want them fragrant and soft, but not burnt. Oops!
For an extra layer of flavor, let the dish sit for a few minutes off the heat before serving. This gives the spices a chance to meld together.
If you find that the mixture is too dry, a splash of beef broth or a little water can add moisture without compromising the flavor.

Variations

Colorful Peppers: Swap out the bell peppers for other varieties like poblano, Anaheim, or even banana peppers for a different flavor profile and heat level. Each type brings its unique twist!
Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices! Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or taco seasoning for a fun twist. Trust me, it can transform the whole dish!
Veggie Medley: Don’t let the peppers have all the fun! Throw in some chopped zucchini, corn, or even diced carrots to make it a more veggie-packed meal. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients!
Protein Swap: If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. They cook up nicely and absorb flavors beautifully!
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can make a world of difference! Sprinkle in some chopped cilantro or parsley right before serving to brighten everything up.
Cheesy Delight: For a comforting twist, add a handful of shredded cheese on top in the last few minutes of cooking. Let it melt and get all gooey—yum!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this delicious ground beef and peppers skillet, the possibilities are endless! I love to pair it with fluffy white rice or even cilantro-lime rice for an extra burst of flavor. It’s a fantastic way to soak up all those savory juices!

If you’re in the mood for something a little more fun, warm tortillas are a must! You can create your own beef and pepper tacos, adding toppings like avocado, salsa, or a sprinkle of cheese for that extra oomph. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

For a lighter option, a refreshing side salad works beautifully. Just toss together some greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette, and you’ve got a bright contrast to the hearty skillet dish.

And don’t forget about toppings! A dollop of sour cream or some fresh chopped cilantro can really elevate the dish. Wow, it’s all about making it your own and enjoying every bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers from this ground beef and peppers skillet is super easy! Just let the dish cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. I always make sure to label my containers—nothing like a mystery meal lurking in the back of the fridge, right?

When it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. For the best results, simply pop it back in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it gently for about 5-7 minutes until it’s warmed through. This way, you’ll keep that delicious flavor and texture intact—no soggy meals here!

If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it (to avoid splatters!), and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remember to check that it’s heated evenly and thoroughly before diving in.

And if you’re feeling extra smart, you can freeze any leftovers! Just make sure to store them in freezer-safe containers. They can last for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as mentioned above. It’s like a little treasure waiting for you!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying this hearty ground beef and peppers skillet, you might be curious about the nutritional side of things! Here’s a breakdown of estimated values per serving based on typical ingredients:

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 400mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, this delicious meal packs a good punch of protein and flavor while still being relatively balanced—perfect for a satisfying dinner!

FAQ Section

What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for a change or need a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully! They cook up just as nicely and soak up all those delicious flavors. You could even try crumbled tempeh or lentils for a vegetarian twist—just adjust the cooking times accordingly!

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! This skillet is super flexible. Feel free to toss in diced zucchini, corn, or even some chopped spinach. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly to ensure everything is tender but still has a bit of crunch!

How do I make it spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while cooking can really amp up the spice level. You can also use jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick. Wow, you’ll definitely feel the heat in the best way!

Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, you can! Just remember that they might release a bit more moisture than fresh ones, so you may want to cook them a little longer to get rid of the excess liquid. No worries—this dish is still going to be delicious!

How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare it ahead! Just cook everything as instructed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet or microwave for a quick meal that tastes fresh!

Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet: 7 Flavorful Secrets

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and easy dish combining ground beef and colorful peppers in a skillet.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
2 bell peppers, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
Stir in ground beef, cook until browned.
Add diced peppers, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Cook until peppers are tender.
Serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables.
Can be served with rice or tortillas.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: ground beef and peppers skillet

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