Ingredients
For this recipe, we’ll need a blend of fresh ingredients that come together in harmony, much like the cozy dinners of my youth:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
If you’d like to switch things up, feel free to substitute ground turkey for beef or swap the cheddar for a sharp Parmesan. Cooking is as much about personal flair as it is about tradition.
Instructions
Creating this delightful dish is as easy as it is rewarding. Follow these steps to bring a piece of my countryside kitchen to yours:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the pepper softens slightly.
- Pour in the beef broth, letting the mixture simmer gently. Allow the flavors to marry and reduce the liquid slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Remember, cooking is an art, not a science. Feel free to adjust spices to suit your palate. After all, each dish should tell your story.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
