Description
Enjoy a comforting and hearty One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet that combines ground beef or turkey with vibrant bell peppers, rice, and a savory tomato base. This easy-to-make skillet meal delivers all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 3 bell peppers (mixed colors, diced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water or broth
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley or red chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Dice the bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic. Measure out your rice and have all other ingredients ready to go to make the cooking process smooth and organized.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the ground meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the peppers and spices: Stir in the diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly and the spices to become aromatic.
- Add rice and tomato base: Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the spices and vegetables. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add water or broth to provide enough liquid for the rice to cook fully.
- Simmer and cook rice: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, usually about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Optional toppings: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet and cover again to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with fresh parsley or red chili flakes before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or plant-based meat alternatives depending on dietary preferences.
- Using broth instead of water enhances the dish’s flavor.
- Swap white rice with brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber; just increase cooking time accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with cooked lentils or beans.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels to taste, especially if adding chili flakes for garnish.
