Beef Fiesta Skillet

The flavor of oregano makes it the perfect addition to Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines. This popular herb whose name means "mountain joy" is available all year. 

It is a small shrub with multi branched stems covered with small grayish green oval leaves and small white or pink flowers. Mediterranean climates oregano grows as a perennial plant; however, in the harsher climates of North America, they grow as annuals.

Oregano is native to northern Europe; it grows throughout a lot of regions of the world. It has been recognized for its aromatic properties since ancient times, with the Romans and Greeks holding oregano as a symbol of happiness. It was a tradition for Ronan and Greek brides and grooms to be crowned with a laurel of oregano.

Fresh oregano should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel.  Oregano may also be frozen, either whole or chopped, in airtight containers. You can freeze the oregano in ice cube trays covered with either water or stock that can be added when preparing soups or stews. Dried oregano should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place where it will keep fresh for about six months.

Research Source: WH Foods

 

This easy and tasty beef fiesta skillet recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner.

Beef Fiesta Skillet

Copyrighted 2014, Christine’s Pantry. All rights reserved.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion, powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 onion, chopped

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 (15.5 oz.) can light red kidney beans, drained and rinse

1 cup cooked rice

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

In a skillet, add ground beef, crumble meat as it cooks, and add chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt and pepper. Add onions, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, stirring.

Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in rice. Sprinkle cheese. Cover for 5 minutes, until cheese melted. Enjoy!

Christine’s Tip: Oregano dried or fresh, should be added near the end of cooking process heat can cause a loss of its flavor.