Description
This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal that captures all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle. Ground beef, sautéed vegetables, rice, and tomatoes come together in a savory skillet dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Optionally topped with melted mozzarella, this comforting dish is hearty, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté the veggies: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
- Add the rice and sauces: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the dish heats through evenly.
- Add cheese (optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover again and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey topping.
- Serve: Serve the unstuffed pepper skillet hot straight from the pan. Enjoy this easy, satisfying dinner packed with classic stuffed pepper flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use cauliflower rice to make this recipe low-carb and gluten free.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more nutrition.
- For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based ground crumble and vegetable broth instead of meat.
