Description
This Easy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a flavorful and convenient weeknight meal that delivers all the delicious taste of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing them. Made in one pot, it combines lean ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a savory blend of spices for a comforting, family-friendly dinner ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (any color), diced (2 red and 1 green recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning)
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 cup beef broth (more as needed)
- 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Ingredients
- ½-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once heated, add diced yellow onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic, Oregano, and Ground Beef: Stir in the minced garlic and oregano, cooking until fragrant for approximately 30 seconds. Add the ground beef along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Break apart the beef with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink and nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste to combine.
- Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (including the juice), uncooked rice, and beef broth. Increase heat to bring everything to a boil.
- Simmer the Mixture: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked. If using minute rice, add it in the last 1-2 minutes of simmering. For brown rice, cook separately and stir in at the end.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat, stir the mixture, and add extra broth if needed to reach your desired consistency. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top while still warm to melt slightly. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes as desired.
- If using minute rice, add it during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- For brown rice, cook it separately before combining because it requires longer cooking time.
- Add extra beef broth if the skillet mixture gets too thick or dry.
- Feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste, especially salt and pepper.
