Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Creamy, juicy, and packed with cozy, homey flavors, this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Ground beef, raw
- 2 cups Instant white rice, uncooked
- 1 each Green bell pepper, diced
- 1 each Red bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 each Yellow onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) Tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups Beef broth Use quantity recommended on rice package
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Minced garlic About 3 cloves or pre-minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- to taste Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced green and red bell peppers and the diced yellow onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but still bright.
- Add 1 1/2 pounds ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and crumbly, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook another 30–45 seconds until fragrant. If there is excess grease, carefully drain it from the skillet.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
- Mix in the drained 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, and 2 cups uncooked instant white rice. Add enough beef broth to match the liquid quantity recommended on your rice package (usually about 2 to 2.5 cups total liquid for instant rice — follow your rice package). Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring the skillet mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 10–15 minutes depending on your rice brand. Check after 10 minutes and give it a gentle stir if needed.
- Remove from heat and fluff the mixture with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot in bowls, topped with shredded cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a weeknight champion: easy, hearty, family-friendly, and packed with the classic stuffed pepper flavors without the extra work.