Are you craving a hearty, delicious meal that's quick to make and satisfying to eat? Look no further! This ground beef and BBQ sauce recipe is a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner, a casual weekend gathering, or even a simple lunch. It's packed with flavor, incredibly versatile, and surprisingly easy to customize to your taste. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is perfect for you. This easy recipe is also a great example of healthy meals that don't sacrifice deliciousness.
Ingredients: What You'll Need
This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients. You likely already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can of your favorite BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's, Kraft, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: Your favorite BBQ side dishes (coleslaw, cornbread, potato salad)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking Up a Storm
Let's get cooking! These straightforward instructions will guide you through the process.
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Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Season and Simmer: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Pour in the BBQ sauce and bring to a simmer.
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Reduce and Thicken (Optional): Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a longer time, or even add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious ground beef and BBQ sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dishes. This is also fantastic served in buns for sliders!
Tips and Tricks for BBQ Perfection
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Spice it Up: Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices! Paprika, chili powder, or smoked paprika can add depth and complexity to the flavor.
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Sweet and Savory Balance: Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add more sauce. If you like a more savory flavor, use less.
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Make it a Complete Meal: This ground beef and BBQ sauce dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Variations to Explore
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Spicy BBQ Beef: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
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Cheesy BBQ Beef: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
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BBQ Beef with Beans: Add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or black beans for added protein and fiber. This adds a hearty texture.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. This is an estimate for a serving of approximately 6 ounces of cooked beef and sauce.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy recipe delivers a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a fun, casual meal any day. This recipe fits easily into a range of healthy meal plans. Enjoy!