Description
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a quick, one-pan meal that’s packed with the same flavors as traditional stuffed peppers but without all the hassle! With ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and a savory tomato sauce, this easy skillet dinner will become your new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the veggies: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the rice and sauces: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add cheese (optional): If desired, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and cover the skillet for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Serve hot, and enjoy a comforting, simple dinner that’s packed with flavor!
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or a meatless crumbles product.
- Add some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- If you prefer, use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a healthier or low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, One Pan, Comfort Food
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg