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Low-Cal Italian Beef Skillet With Peppers & Onions - Easy, Flavorful, Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90–95% lean)
  • 2 bell peppers (any colors), thinly sliced
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional but great for warmth)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or balsamic for sweeter notes)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional: grated Parmesan for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat and prep: Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Slice the peppers and onion, mince the garlic, and have the tomato paste and spices ready.
  • Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the dry skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed for a lighter dish.
  • Season the beef: Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 1 minute to toast the spices.
  • Sauté veggies: Push beef to one side. Add olive oil to the empty side, then add onions and peppers. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Mix everything together.
  • Add garlic and tomato paste: Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1–2 minutes, letting the paste darken slightly for richer flavor.
  • Deglaze and simmer: Pour in beef broth and vinegar, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
  • Taste and finish: Adjust salt, pepper, and heat level. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil. Add a light dusting of Parmesan if you like.
  • Serve: Enjoy on its own, over cauliflower rice or zoodles, or in lettuce cups for a low-cal option. For a treat, spoon over a small portion of polenta or whole-grain pasta.