Pan-Seared Beef Strips with Spicy Sautéed Peppers and Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy strips of beef quickly seared and tossed with vibrant, spicy bell peppers and onions for a robust, quick meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs beef sirloin, thinly sliced, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes without moving, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet and toss in 1 large sliced red bell pepper, 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 medium sliced red onion. Sauté over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder over the vegetables. Stir well and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the skillet and toss with the vegetables for 1 minute until heated through. Serve immediately with your choice of side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Beef Strips with Spicy Sautéed Peppers and Onions take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Beef Strips with Spicy Sautéed Peppers and Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef sirloin, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Beef Strips with Spicy Sautéed Peppers and Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Beef Strips with Spicy Sautéed Peppers and Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Beef Strips with Spicy Sautéed Peppers and Onions?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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