Homemade Smokey Ground Beef

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

smoked paprika

🥗Healthier: regular paprika

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

Regular paprika offers flavor without added smoke, while cayenne is a budget-friendly spice.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor with fewer calories, while processed cheese is often cheaper.

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are a great source of protein and can be more nutritious, while canned beans save time.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 6-8 minutes.

Drain excess fat from the beef if necessary.

Sprinkle smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper over the beef; mix well.

Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth; stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a simmer; cook for 10 minutes until thickened.

Add corn and black beans; stir to heat through, about 3-4 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Remove from heat; sprinkle with cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: