Smoky Paprika and Chipotle Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers

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

A vibrant stir fry with tender strips of beef cooked in smoky paprika and chipotle, complemented by crisp bell peppers for a spicy regional twist. This latin american-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes turns olive oil, smoked paprika, ground chipotle chili powder into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 2 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp ground chipotle chili powder until the meat is evenly coated with the spices.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté 4 cloves minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 large red bell pepper and 1 large yellow bell pepper, both sliced into 1/2-inch strips, and stir fry for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the skillet, add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and peppers.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped green onions before serving for a fresh pop of flavor.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Paprika and Chipotle Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Smoky Paprika and Chipotle Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Paprika and Chipotle Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers?

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 Smoky Paprika and Chipotle Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Smoky Paprika and Chipotle Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers?

Latin 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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