Thai-style Beef with Basil

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 lb ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, divided
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Sauce:

• 1 tbsp chili paste
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

Directions:

1. In a small bowl combine chili paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar and lime juice until incorporated. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet set over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon and stirring often, about 6 minutes.
3. Add the bell pepper, onion and garlic to the beef and cook until vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour the sauce mixture along with the fresh basil (reserving a few leaves for the top) and continue cooking until basil starts to wilt.
5. Serve over rice topped with fresh basil and fresh cilantro.

Servings: 4