Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious dinner recipe? Look no further! This Ground Beef and Chickpea recipe is a perfect blend of savory ground beef, hearty chickpeas, and aromatic spices, creating a satisfying and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, and it’s so versatile you can easily customize it to your liking. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas, all while enjoying homemade cooking at its finest. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, your preference)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions:
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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 Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their flavors. This simple step elevates the entire dish!
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Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas and the undrained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. This dish is fantastic on its own, or you can serve it over rice, quinoa, couscous, or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: For a spicier dish, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper. You can also add a diced jalapeño pepper along with the onion.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. Add them along with the onions for even cooking.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian ground beef for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, brown the beef and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 350-400 (depending on the type of ground beef used)
- Protein: Around 25-30g
- Fiber: Around 8-10g
This Ground Beef and Chickpea recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are both easy to make and packed with nutrition. It's a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with flavorful spices to create a truly satisfying and healthy meal. Enjoy!