Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (Print)
Hearty skillet with ground beef, bell peppers, and rice in a savory tomato sauce.
# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 pound lean ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Grains
05 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
→ Liquids
06 - 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
07 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
08 - 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Toppings (optional)
14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# How To Make It:
01 - In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
04 - Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
05 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed.
06 - Uncover, sprinkle cheese over the top, and cook for 2–3 minutes more until melted.
07 - Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one pan, so you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal
- The rice absorbs all those delicious tomato and beef flavors as it simmers, making every bite taste like it's been slow-cooked for hours
02 -
- Resist the urge to lift the lid too often while the rice simmers, as escaping steam will extend the cooking time
- If the rice absorbs all the liquid before it's fully tender, add the broth in quarter-cup increments
03 -
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce added with the tomatoes creates an extra layer of savory depth
- Let the skillet rest off the heat for five minutes before serving to help the flavors settle