Description
A quick, fresh summer ground beef recipe that’s perfect for a light dinner. Packed with veggies, herbs, and a zesty finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Cooked rice or crusty bread, to serve
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add the diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften, about 4 minutes.
- Season the mixture with oregano, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium, then pour in the lemon juice. Let the flavors meld for 2 minutes, allowing the acidity to brighten the dish.
- Remove from heat and fold in the chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot over cooked rice or with a side of crusty bread. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top if you like a cheesy finish.
Notes
- Use a lean ground beef to keep the dish light and avoid excess grease.
- For a smokier flavor, add a pinch of smoked salt or a splash of smoky chipotle sauce.
- Keep the skillet at a steady medium heat to prevent the veggies from steaming instead of sautéing.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for maximum brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: summer ground beef recipe