Beef and Pepper Rice: A Flavorful One-Pan Meal

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Discover a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that combines tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked rice, creating a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and full of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Dish

  • 250 g long-grain rice (uncooked)
  • 400 g ground beef
  • 1 red bell pepper (about 150 g)
  • 1 green bell pepper (about 150 g)
  • 1 medium onion (about 80 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • 150 ml tomato puree
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Rice

  • Boil salted water
  • Cook rice according to package instructions (10-12 minutes)
  • Drain and set aside

2. Prepare Vegetables

  • Finely chop onion
  • Deseed and slice bell peppers

3. Cook the Beef

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet
  • Sauté onion 2-3 minutes until translucent
  • Add ground beef
  • Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin
  • Cook 5-6 minutes, stirring regularly

4. Add Vegetables

  • Add bell pepper slices
  • Cook 3-4 minutes to keep slightly crisp

5. Finish the Dish

  • Pour in tomato puree
  • Simmer 2 minutes
  • Gently mix in cooked rice
  • Adjust seasoning

6. Serve

  • Plate in deep bowls
  • Garnish with fresh herbs

Nutritional Information

Per Serving

  • Calories: 380-420
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g

Cooking Details

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Expert Cooking Tips

  • Don’t overcook rice
  • Keep vegetables crisp
  • Adjust spices to taste

Variations and Substitutions

  • Spicy Version: Add chili or hot sauce
  • Vegetarian: Replace beef with black beans
  • Add corn or red beans for extra texture
  • Use different colored bell peppers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use brown rice? Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Q2: How to prevent rice from becoming mushy? Cook rice al dente, rinse to remove excess starch.

Q3: What sides pair well? Simple green salad or yogurt sauce.

Q4: Can I make this ahead? Best fresh, but keeps 24 hours in refrigerator.

Q5: How to reheat? Gently in pan with splash of tomato sauce.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerate: Up to 24 hours
  • Reheat: Gently with added liquid
  • Not recommended for freezing

A delicious, quick meal that brings excitement to your dinner table!