Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's both satisfying and easy to make? Then look no further! This Tex-Mex ground beef recipe is your ticket to a delicious and quick dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend gathering. Forget complicated recipes; this one is packed with amazing taste and simple to follow, making it an ideal addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients for a Zesty Ground Beef Delight:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, your preference!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, etc.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. This is a crucial step for achieving that delicious, rich flavor.
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Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Flavor: Add the diced tomatoes (both cans), black beans, Rotel, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste becomes.
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Serve it Up: Once the ground beef mixture is cooked through and the flavors have combined, serve it hot! Top with your favorite Tex-Mex toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Tips for Tex-Mex Perfection:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. If you like it really spicy, add a pinch of chipotle powder!
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Slow cooker magic: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Leftovers are a treat: This recipe is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations for Delicious Dishes:
- Chicken Tex-Mex: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the beef and add a can of drained and rinsed corn. You can also incorporate crumbled vegetarian sausage for a heartier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This recipe is a simple example of quick dinner ideas and offers a healthy meal option. Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Tex-Mex ground beef! This homemade cooking recipe will quickly become a family favorite. It's one of the best recipes for satisfying your Tex-Mex cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.