Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 320 calories per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by washing and chopping all vegetables. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes into small pieces. Mince the garlic and set everything aside. Having your ingredients prepared before cooking will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking for 7 to 8 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the beef. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly with the seasonings. Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to release their aroma.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well until the tomato paste is evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture. Allow the ingredients to cook together for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 6: Simmer
Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. During this time, the flavors will blend together and the liquid will reduce slightly, creating a rich and savory sauce.
Step 7: Finish the Dish
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the Carne Molida hot with warm tortillas, Mexican rice, refried beans, or your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced avocado, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
Tips for Success
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier version with less grease.
- For extra flavor, allow the meat to simmer a few additional minutes.
- Add diced jalapeños for a spicier dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Carne Molida freezes well for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This flavorful Carne Molida can be used in a variety of ways:
- Taco filling
- Burrito filling
- Nacho topping
- Stuffed peppers
- Rice bowls
- Quesadillas
- Enchiladas
- Tostadas
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Potassium: 540mg
- Vitamin C: 25% Daily Value
- Iron: 18% Daily Value