Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (Print Version)
All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in an easy one-pan skillet with ground beef, rice, and tomatoes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Grains
05 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Liquids
06 - 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
07 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
08 - 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tsp dried basil
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Toppings
14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# Steps:
01 - In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
04 - Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
05 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed.
06 - Uncover, sprinkle cheese over the top, and cook for 2–3 minutes more until melted.
07 - Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Get all those nostalgic stuffed pepper flavors in half the time and with a fraction of the effort
- Perfect for those nights when you want a home cooked meal but only have energy for one pan
02 -
- Do not be tempted to lift the lid too often while the rice simmers, that steam is working hard to cook everything evenly
- If your rice is still crunchy after the recommended time, add a splash more broth and give it another 5 minutes covered
03 -
- The cheese is optional but honestly, that melty layer on top is what makes this feel like a special treat
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce adds a fantastic depth that people cannot quite put their finger on