Ground beef and peppers skillet

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
1. **Heat the Skillet:** Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. **Cook the Ground Beef:** Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Continue cooking for 6–8 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a small amount for flavor.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
1. **Add the Onions and Garlic:** Once the beef is cooked, add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion begins to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
2. **Add the Bell Peppers:** Toss in the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender but still have a bit of crispness.

#### Step 3: Season the Mixture
1. **Add the Spices:** Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder (if using). Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. **Simmer with Broth:** Pour in the beef broth or water, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. If you like a saucy dish, add the tomato sauce at this point and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.

#### Step 4: Serve and Garnish
1. **Serve:** Once everything is cooked and seasoned to perfection, remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the beef and pepper mixture onto plates or serve it in bowls.
2. **Optional Garnishes:** For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream.

### Serving Suggestions:
– **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve this flavorful skillet over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a hearty, filling meal.
– **Tacos or Burritos:** Use the mixture as a filling for tacos or burritos. Just scoop it into soft tortillas, add your favorite toppings, and roll them up for a quick Tex-Mex dinner.
– **Salad:** For a lighter option, serve the beef and peppers over a bed of mixed greens or lettuce for a refreshing salad.

### Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet:
– **Quick and Easy:** This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
– **One-Pan Wonder:** The beauty of this recipe is that it’s cooked entirely in one skillet, which makes for easy clean-up.
– **Versatile:** You can customize the flavors by adding different veggies, adjusting the seasoning, or even swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
– **Family-Friendly:** The combination of savory beef and sweet, crunchy peppers is something both adults and kids can enjoy. Plus, you can tailor the level of spiciness to suit your family’s taste.

### Tips for Success:
– **Beef Options:** If you prefer a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. You can also try ground pork for a slightly different flavor profile.
– **Spice It Up:** If you like heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when cooking the vegetables for an extra kick.
– **Veggie Variations:** Feel free to mix in other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients and variety.

### Final Thoughts:
Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet is the perfect solution for busy nights when you need a meal that’s tasty, satisfying, and easy to prepare. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it over rice, as a taco filling, or simply on its own, you’ll love the combination of tender beef and colorful peppers seasoned to perfection. Enjoy!