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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring ground beef or turkey, bell peppers, rice, and tomatoes, cooked together in a skillet for a comforting and easy dinner option.


Ingredients

Meat and Oil

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean meat)

Vegetables and Seasonings

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Grains and Liquids

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

Cheese and Garnish

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. If using lean meat, add olive oil before sautéing the vegetables.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and chopped bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
  3. Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine all flavors.
  4. Combine Rice and Liquids: Add the uncooked rice, broth, and diced tomatoes with their juice to the skillet, stirring to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
  5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Add Cheese (Optional): Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese if using.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Let the skillet sit covered for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Notes

  • This dish is great for meal prep and freezes well.
  • For extra flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Brown rice can be substituted, but increase simmer time to 35–40 minutes and add more broth if needed.