Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (Printable)

All the flavors of stuffed peppers in an easy one-pan skillet with beef, peppers, tomatoes and rice.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound lean ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Grains

05 - 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

→ Liquids

06 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
07 - 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Cheese (optional for topping)

14 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

# How-to Steps:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in rice, diced tomatoes with juice, broth, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
04 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Uncover skillet, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, and cover again for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey.
06 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pairs well with crusty bread or a crisp side salad.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan so you spend almost zero time cleaning up afterward
  • The flavors actually develop better than traditional stuffed peppers since everything mingles together
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes which is faster than takeout
02 -
  • The rice continues absorbing liquid as it sits so it is better to slightly undercook than overcook
  • Using a skillet with a tight fitting lid is crucial or the rice will not cook properly
  • Cheese is totally optional but the way it melts over the top makes it feel more indulgent
03 -
  • Prep all your vegetables before you start cooking since everything moves fast once you hit the stove
  • Let the skillet rest covered for 5 minutes off the heat before serving to let the flavors settle

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