Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (Print View)

A vibrant one-pan meal combining ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice with classic stuffed pepper flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Grains

05 - 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

→ Liquids

06 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
07 - 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1 tsp dried basil
10 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
13 - Pinch red pepper flakes

→ Cheese

14 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

# How to Make:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in rice, diced tomatoes with juice, broth, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
04 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Uncover, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, and cover again for 2-3 minutes, until cheese melts.
06 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, which means virtually no cleanup and more time on the couch
  • The flavors meld together beautifully since the rice absorbs all those savory juices while simmering
  • Its ready in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
  • Rinse your rice before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess starch from making the dish gluey
  • If the rice is not done but the liquid has absorbed, add water in quarter cup increments
  • The mixture continues thickening as it rests, so do not worry if it seems slightly loose when you turn off the heat
03 -
  • Use a skillet with a tight-fitting lid to ensure the rice cooks evenly
  • Let the dish rest uncovered for 5 minutes before serving to allow excess moisture to evaporate

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