Cilantro-Lime Ground Beef with Charred Peppers
Ingredients
- 1½ poundsground beef
- 2red bell pepper
- 1yellow bell pepper
- 1 mediumyellow onion
- 4 clovesgarlic
- 2lime
- ½ cupcilantro
- 3 tablespoonolive oil
- 1 teaspooncumin
- ½ teaspoonsmoked paprika
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- 1jalapeño (optional, for heat)
Prep
- 01
Dice 1 medium yellow onion.
- 02
Mince 4 cloves garlic.
- 03
Dice 2 red bell peppers and 1 yellow bell pepper.
- 04
Juice 2 limes and chop 1/2 cup fresh cilantro.
- 05
If using, thinly slice 1 jalapeño.
Method
- 01
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
- 02
Push the onion to the side of the pan. Add 1.5 pounds ground beef to the empty space and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 03
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 04
Push the beef mixture to the sides of the pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the center, then add the diced bell peppers. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are soft and starting to char at the edges.
- 05
Remove from heat. Stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with additional cilantro and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve warm.
Spice Tips
For a milder version, omit the jalapeño. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. A splash of hot sauce at the end brightens the dish further.
This is great served over rice, with lime crema on the side, or in lettuce cups. Leftovers keep for 3 days refrigerated and reheat well.