Description
A delicious and easy one-pot unstuffed pepper skillet featuring ground beef or turkey, colorful bell peppers, rice, and savory Italian seasonings. This hearty skillet meal combines all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss of stuffed shells, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that cooks entirely on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins 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 Garnishes
- 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, and measure out the rice and all other ingredients to have them ready before cooking.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, then 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 and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
- Add peppers and seasonings: Stir in the diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
- Incorporate rice and tomato base: Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the spices and juices.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add optional toppings: Once the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or red chili flakes before serving for a fresh and spicy touch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use broth instead of water to add more flavor to the rice.
- If you prefer, substitute brown rice but increase cooking time accordingly (about 40-45 minutes).
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
