Healthy Beef & Bell Pepper Skillet
A nutrient-dense, high-protein skillet dinner designed for busy weeknights. This 20-minute meal features lean ground beef seared to perfection with fresh, vibrant bell peppers and aromatic onions. By leveraging the Maillard reaction and avoiding heavy sauces, this quick stir-fry keeps flavors deep and textures crisp, prioritizing high-quality nutrition and efficient preparation.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High Protein
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10 ratio)
2 medium bell peppers, sliced into strips
1/2 medium yellow onion, sliced into thin half-moons
1 tbsp (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp (5ml) Italian seasoning
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Slice the bell peppers and onions into uniform strips.
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
Add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula, and cook until browned and no pink remains.
Carefully remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the peppers and onions, cooking briefly to maintain a slight crispness.
Return the beef to the skillet, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until heated through and well-combined.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed cast iron or stainless steel skillet for better heat retention and browning. Ensure the vegetables are not overcooked to retain their snap and water-soluble vitamins. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.