Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 14 oz. diced fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat to warm up.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add avocado oil to the hot skillet, then add diced yellow onion. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release aroma.
- Cook the beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Stir in diced green and red bell peppers, tomato paste, dry quinoa, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, water, dried basil, dried oregano, fennel seeds, salt, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Simmer the mixture: Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the quinoa to absorb the liquid and the flavors to meld.
- Add cheese and finish cooking: When the quinoa is fully cooked, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover again and continue cooking for 2 more minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a warm, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and make the dish healthier.
- If you prefer, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- You can swap Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella depending on your taste preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Make sure to rinse quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American