Description
This Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef with colorful bell peppers, aromatic spices, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with delicious layers of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté onions and peppers: Add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook and stir until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt.
- Incorporate seasonings: Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the meat and vegetables with spices.
- Add tomato paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor and help it meld with the other ingredients.
- Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it slightly thickens and flavors are well combined.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for a more filling meal.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to boost nutrition and texture.
