Description

A comforting Latin-inspired skillet meal featuring ground beef simmered with tomato sauce, olives, capers, and raisins for a perfect sweet and savory balance.

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef

1 small onion, diced

1 medium red or green bell pepper, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced

2 tablespoons olive brine

2 tablespoons capers, drained

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste

Optional for serving:

Cooked rice or cauliflower rice

Chopped fresh cilantro

Lime wedges

Fried plantains or plantain chips

Roasted green beans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and diced bell pepper. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned and the onion softens, about 6 to 8 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, olives, olive brine, capers, raisins, and black pepper.

4. Reduce heat slightly and simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors blend.

5. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust salt if needed.

6. Serve warm over rice or cauliflower rice and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

For deeper flavor, allow the beef to brown well before adding the sauce ingredients.

This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well for meal prep.

Leftovers can be used in tacos, stuffed peppers, or empanadas.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Easy Dinner Ideas
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Latin Inspired