Description

This One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet offers a delicious, comforting meal featuring ground beef or turkey, vibrant bell peppers, fragrant spices, and tender rice all cooked together in a single skillet. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner, this recipe brings all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing each pepper individually. Topped optionally with melted cheese and fresh garnishes, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish for family meals.

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 Oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Toppings and Garnishes

1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping
fresh parsley or red chili flakes for garnish

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Instructions

Prep the ingredients: Dice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the rice. Have all your ingredients prepared and ready to go before starting cooking.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of 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. Cook it while breaking into small pieces until browned throughout. Drain any excess fat if needed to prevent greasiness.
Add the peppers and spices: Stir in the diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes to soften the peppers slightly and meld flavors.
Add rice and tomato base: Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the spices and juices. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add water or broth as needed to provide enough liquid for the rice to cook properly.
Simmer and cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the rice is tender, about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add additional water if necessary.
Add optional toppings: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet. Cover again briefly to allow the cheese to melt.
Finish and garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or red chili flakes before serving for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Use either white or brown rice; cooking times may vary slightly with brown rice needing a few extra minutes and more liquid.
Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative to ground beef for a healthier option.
For added heat, include red chili flakes during cooking or as garnish.
You can substitute crushed tomatoes with tomato sauce if preferred.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.