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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
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The Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal that combines lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, aromatic spices, diced tomatoes, and fluffy rice for a comforting dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Enjoy all the deliciousness of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle of hollowing and filling, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a hearty, colorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains

  • 2 cups cooked white rice

Other Ingredients

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional; cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey jack, or pepper jack)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Chop bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, mince garlic, dice the onion, and have cooked rice ready. Keeping everything close will speed up the cooking process.
  2. Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning as it cooks until nicely browned and crumbly.
  3. Sauté vegetables: Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the beef and cook until they soften and release their vibrant aromas, about 5 minutes.
  4. Combine rice and tomatoes: Stir in cooked rice and diced tomatoes with their juices, blending all the ingredients thoroughly so every bite will be bursting with flavor.
  5. Simmer and season: Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning over the skillet, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and let everything simmer for a few minutes until heated through and well combined.
  6. Optional cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover the skillet, and allow it to melt for a few minutes until gooey before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh bell peppers for the best texture and sweetness.
  • Keep peppers slightly crisp to maintain vibrant color and mouthfeel.
  • Brown the ground beef thoroughly to deepen flavor.
  • Instant rice can be used for quicker preparation; add it last to avoid overcooking.
  • Adjust spice levels gradually to balance flavors without overpowering.
  • To make vegetarian, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, cooked lentils, or mushrooms.

Nutrition

Keywords: unstuffed peppers, skillet dinner, ground beef recipe, quick dinner, one pan meal, gluten free, weeknight meal, stuffed peppers deconstructed

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/unstuffed-pepper-skillet/