Description
Quick and easy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet with ground beef, colorful bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and melted cheese. A comforting weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice (I prefer long-grain, but any kind works!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, or a blend!)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain off any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained) into the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cooked rice until evenly distributed.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, or your favorite cheese blend) evenly over the top.
- Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted and gooey. Alternatively, place under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, right from the skillet.
Notes
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for more heat.
- Add more vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, or corn can be added.
- Use different meats: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat and add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or provolone.
- Make it ahead: Prepare ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
- Freeze it: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad, crusty bread, sour cream, or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes