Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired Unstuffed Pepper Skillet delivers bold flavors in one pan, blending seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and zesty rice. Comfort meets convenience with this quick, satisfying meal you can enjoy without complicated preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or turkey)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 410g) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 can (8 ounces / 227g) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Starch and Topping:
- 3/4 cup (140g) uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
Instructions
- In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium temperature and sear ground beef until thoroughly browned, fragmenting meat while cooking. Eliminate any surplus fat.
- Incorporate diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.
- Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings into the skillet. Mix thoroughly to combine ingredients.
- Introduce uncooked rice, elevate heat to boiling point, then immediately reduce to low. Cover skillet and allow mixture to simmer, stirring intermittently to prevent rice from adhering to pan bottom.
- For white rice, cook 20-25 minutes; for brown rice, extend cooking time to 35-40 minutes until rice reaches tender consistency.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese across surface, cover skillet, and let cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, optionally garnish with fresh parsley, and serve piping hot directly from skillet.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier for those watching their calorie intake.
- Replace beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, more diet-friendly version that still packs great flavor.
- Cook rice separately if you prefer more control over rice texture and want to prevent potential burning or sticking in the skillet.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, nutrient-dense meal that kids might enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg