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Tex-Mex-Style Minced Beef

Tex-Mex-Style Minced Beef
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Tex-Mex-Style Minced Beef is a quick, flavorful dinner combining lean minced beef with aromatic Southwestern spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Enhanced with fresh vegetables such as onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes, and finished with lime juice and cilantro, this dish offers a vibrant, smoky, and tangy taste. Perfect for busy weeknights, it is versatile enough to serve on its own, or in tacos, burritos, or stuffed peppers, making it a family-friendly, budget-conscious, and delicious meal option.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 500g lean minced beef

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 400g canned tomatoes)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime

Fresh Herbs

  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onions, garlic, and bell peppers to create the aromatic base for your dish.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.
  3. Brown the Minced Beef: Add the minced beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned evenly and no pink remains.
  4. Add Peppers and Spices: Stir in the diced bell peppers along with chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for a few minutes until the spices bloom and the peppers soften, enhancing the aroma and flavor.
  5. Incorporate Tomatoes and Simmer: Mix in the chopped fresh or canned tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld together.
  6. Final Touches: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet and sprinkle with chopped cilantro to add brightness and a fresh herbaceous note before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh chili powder and cumin for the best flavor potency.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning of beef; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Adjust chili powder quantities to control the spice level according to your preference.
  • Drain excess fat after browning for a leaner dish if desired.
  • Allow the finished dish to rest off heat for a few minutes to let flavors develop.
  • Make substitutions with other ground meats like turkey or chicken as preferred.
  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring all seasoning blends and canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tex-Mex minced beef, minced beef recipe, quick Tex-Mex dinner, family-friendly beef recipe, spicy beef skillet, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/tex-mex-style-minced-beef/