Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot unstuffed pepper skillet combining ground beef or turkey with diced bell peppers, rice, and a savory tomato base. This easy, all-in-one meal features Italian seasoning and can be topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 3 bell peppers (mixed colors, diced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water or broth
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley or red chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Dice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the rice. Have all ingredients ready before cooking.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant to develop the base flavors.
- Cook the meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add peppers and spices: Stir in the diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
- Add rice and tomato base: Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the spices. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water or broth to cook the rice.
- Simmer and cook rice: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat. Cook until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, about 20 minutes.
- Optional toppings: Once rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet and allow it to melt.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or red chili flakes for an extra touch and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Use chicken broth instead of water for more flavor.
- If using brown rice, increase the simmer time by about 10 minutes and adjust liquid as needed.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground meat with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
