Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (Printable version)

Hearty skillet with beef, peppers, and rice in rich tomato sauce.

# What you need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb 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 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
08 - 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tsp dried basil
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
13 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Toppings

14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
15 - 2 tbsp 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 is 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 tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan so you're not washing a mountain of dishes afterward
  • The rice soaks up all those seasoned tomato juices while it simmers, making every bite incredibly flavorful
02 -
  • If the rice isn't done after 25 minutes, add a splash more broth and keep cooking
  • The cheese is optional but honestly, it's what transforms this from dinner into comfort food
03 -
  • Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving so the sauce thickens slightly
  • Use a mix of pepper colors for visual appeal and slightly different flavor notes

Go back