Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, you know the struggle of wanting a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where my ground beef and peppers skillet comes in! This dish is the ultimate quick and easy solution when you need something hearty and satisfying but don’t have all day to cook. It’s packed with flavor, colorful veggies, and protein, making it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or when you just want to whip something up without a fuss. Trust me, once you try this skillet meal, it’ll be on your regular rotation. Let’s dive into the ingredients!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef: I love using lean ground beef for this recipe, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Just remember, the leaner, the better for those watching their fat intake!
- 2 bell peppers, diced: Choose any color you like—red, green, or yellow! They all add a lovely sweetness and crunch. Just chop them up into bite-sized pieces, and you’re good to go!
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion works perfectly here. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor. I usually go for yellow onions, but white or red will do just fine too!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! It adds a delightful aroma and flavor. Don’t skip this one—it makes the whole dish sing!
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): This brings moisture and tanginess to the skillet. I prefer the ones with no added salt, but it’s all up to your taste!
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: This adds a nice warm kick! You can adjust this if you like it spicier or milder—just follow your heart!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season your food! Start with a pinch, and then taste as you go for that perfect balance.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is for sautéing! It adds richness and helps everything cook nicely. I love the flavor it brings, but you could swap it for another oil if you prefer.
How to Prepare the Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, let’s get that skillet warming up! Pour in your 2 tablespoons of olive oil and turn the heat to medium. This is super important because you want the oil to heat up enough to sauté your veggies without burning them. You’ll know it’s ready when you see a little shimmer on the surface. It’s like a warm hug for your ingredients!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Now, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté those for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. You want to see it turn a lovely soft color—this is where the magic begins! The smell? Wow, it’s going to make your kitchen feel like home.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next up, add in the 1 pound of ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. You’ll want to see it turn a nice brown color, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. You’ll know it’s properly browned when there’s no pink left, and it’s all beautifully cooked through!
Step 4: Cook the Bell Peppers
Time to add those vibrant diced bell peppers! Stir them in and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes until they’re tender but still have a bit of crunch. You want them soft enough to soak up all those delicious flavors but not mushy—that’s the sweet spot!
Step 5: Mix in Diced Tomatoes and Chili Powder
Now, it’s flavor time! Pour in your can of diced tomatoes and sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Give everything a good stir to mix those flavors together. You’ll see the colors come alive, and the aroma? Oh boy, it’s going to be irresistible!
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! Start with a pinch, taste, and adjust as needed. Once seasoned, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This is when everything melds together into a symphony of flavors. Trust me, you’re going to want to dive right in!
Step 7: Serve Hot
Finally, it’s time to serve! I love this dish hot, right out of the skillet. You can spoon it over rice, tuck it into warm tortillas, or just enjoy it as is. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Get ready for some serious comfort food vibes!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! This ground beef and peppers skillet not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs a punch in the nutrition department. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is not just low in calories but also packed with protein, making it a fantastic option for those busy nights when you still want a wholesome meal. Plus, with all those colorful veggies, you’re getting plenty of vitamins too! Isn’t that the best? Enjoy your healthy deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
- A one-pan wonder for minimal cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
- Loaded with protein and colorful veggies, making it a nutritious choice.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite spices or add more veggies based on what you have.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Kid-friendly and satisfying, making it a hit for the whole family.
- Great for using up leftovers—don’t hesitate to get creative!
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow kitchen adventurers, let’s make sure you nail this ground beef and peppers skillet like a pro! Here are some of my best tips to help you achieve deliciousness every single time:
- Don’t rush the browning: Take your time when browning the ground beef. If you toss it in too quickly or overcrowd the skillet, you might end up steaming it instead of getting that lovely brown crust. Remember, patience is key!
- Mix and match your veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables you have lying around—zucchini, corn, or even some spinach work beautifully in this dish. It’s a great way to clean out the fridge and add even more nutrition!
- Taste as you go: Seriously, don’t skip this step! It’s essential to taste your dish while cooking to adjust the seasoning just right. What might seem perfect to you might need a pinch more salt or a dash more chili powder.
- Let it rest: After simmering, if you can, let the skillet sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld together even more. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Make it your own: This recipe is super versatile! Experiment with different spices like paprika, cumin, or even Italian seasoning for a fun twist. You can also switch up your protein—ground turkey or chicken works great too!
- Serve it right: If you’re serving this dish as a filling for tacos or burritos, I recommend warming your tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds. It makes a world of difference in flavor and texture!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up a skillet dish that’s not just good but *great*! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations
Now that you’ve got the basics down for my delicious ground beef and peppers skillet, let’s talk about how to mix things up! The beauty of this dish is its versatility—there are so many ways to customize it based on your cravings or what you have in your pantry. Here are some of my favorite variations to inspire you:
- Spice it up: If you’re looking for a little heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. You can also swap the chili powder for taco seasoning for a different flavor profile!
- Veggie overload: Don’t be shy about adding more veggies! Chopped zucchini, corn, or even shredded carrots can bring in some lovely colors and textures. Just remember to adjust cooking times so everything is tender!
- Herbed goodness: Fresh herbs can really elevate this dish! Toss in some chopped cilantro or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness. You could even sprinkle some Italian herbs like oregano or basil for a different twist.
- Cheesy delight: Want to indulge a little? Stir in some shredded cheese once the skillet is off the heat until it’s melted and gooey. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack would work beautifully!
- Low-carb twist: For a low-carb version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken and serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors without the extra carbs!
- Southwestern flair: Add a can of black beans or pinto beans along with the tomatoes for a heartier, protein-packed meal. You can also serve it with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream for that true Southwestern experience.
These variations not only keep things exciting but also allow you to use what you have on hand. So don’t hesitate to get creative and make this skillet your own—happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about keeping those delicious leftovers from your ground beef and peppers skillet fresh and tasty! This dish is perfect for making ahead and enjoying later, so here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro:
- Storing leftovers: Once your skillet meal has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. It’s best to store it in the fridge if you plan on eating it within 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label and date the container so you know what you’ve got in there!
- Reheating on the stove: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the stovetop is my favorite way to reheat! Just scoop the desired amount into a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly, and stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. This keeps it nice and moist!
- Microwave method: If you’re in a hurry or just feeling lazy (we’ve all been there!), you can pop it in the microwave. Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in, and heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be careful—it can get hot quickly!
- Freezing tips: If you’ve frozen a batch, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can also reheat it straight from frozen, but it may take a little longer. Just keep an eye on it!
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, your ground beef and peppers skillet will taste just as delicious the second time around. Enjoy your meal, and happy cooking!
Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet: 7 Steps to Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and easy ground beef and peppers skillet dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Add bell peppers, cook until soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and chili powder.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Can substitute turkey for ground beef.
- Add other vegetables as desired.
- Serve with rice or tortillas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef and peppers skillet