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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: 30-Minute Ground Beef and Rice Meal Recipe


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4.4 from 127 reviews

  • Author: Patricia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a quick and delicious 30-minute meal featuring ground beef or turkey, colorful bell peppers, rice, and melted cheese. Combining the bold flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing, it’s an easy one-pan recipe perfect for weeknight dinners that delivers comfort and nutrition.


Ingredients

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

Grains & Seasoning

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add Vegetables: Once the meat is cooked, add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Incorporate Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix well with the meat and vegetables.
  4. Season: Add the cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • Use any color of bell peppers or a combination for variety.
  • Cook rice ahead of time to keep this meal within 30 minutes.
  • To make it vegetarian, substitute meat with plant-based ground alternatives or lentils.
  • Covering the skillet when melting cheese helps it melt evenly and faster.
  • Fresh parsley provides a nice brightness but can be omitted.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American