Let me tell you, life gets busy, and that’s why I absolutely adore one-pan meals! This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a total game-changer. It combines all those amazing flavors of stuffed peppers—think hearty ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty tomatoes—without any of the fuss of actually stuffing them. I whip this up on days when I’m racing against the clock, and it never disappoints! Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which is a huge win in my book. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked on its comforting flavors and the simplicity of making a delicious meal in just one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients List

1 lb ground beef
1 cup rice
2 cups bell peppers, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup onion, chopped
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

How to Prepare Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Making this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a breeze, and I love how everything comes together in just one pan! Let’s dive into the steps to whip up this delicious meal. Trust me, it’s easier than you might think!

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

First things first, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add in your 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. You want to cook it until it’s nicely browned, around 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds a flavorful base for the dish!

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, toss in 1 cup of chopped onion and 2 cups of chopped bell peppers. Cook these together for about 3-5 minutes until they soften up. This is where your kitchen will start to smell amazing, and the colors will brighten up your skillet!

Step 3: Seasoning

Now it’s time to kick up the flavor! Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. These spices really enhance the dish, giving it that comforting, home-cooked taste. Don’t skip this step; it’s what makes this skillet sing!

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Next, add in your can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of rice, and 2 cups of beef broth. Mix everything together really well—this is key to ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. You should see all those vibrant colors come together beautifully!

Step 5: Cooking Time

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover your skillet. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and soak up all those delicious flavors. Once it’s done, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything settle and makes for a better texture!

Nutritional Information Section

Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet! It’s packed with goodness and perfect for a balanced meal. Here’s a rough estimate per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fiber: 2g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but overall, you’re getting a hearty, satisfying dish that won’t weigh you down!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation time—ready in just 35 minutes!
One-pan cleanup makes life so much easier.
It’s packed with flavor from the savory beef and vibrant veggies.
Healthy ingredients provide a satisfying meal without the guilt.
Perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy it all week long!

Tips for Success

To make your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t rush the browning of the beef; that caramelization adds depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter dish, try substituting ground turkey instead of beef. Feel free to mix up the veggies—zucchini or corn would be delicious additions! And if you love cheese (who doesn’t?), sprinkle some on top just before serving for an extra creamy touch. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your skillet game!

Variations

The beauty of this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is its versatility! You can easily switch up the protein by using ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option. Want to add some crunch? Toss in some corn or diced zucchini along with the peppers. And don’t forget about spices—try adding cumin for a little kick, or even some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor twist. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing crunch.
Pair it with warm, crusty bread to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
For a kick, offer some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce on the side.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro can brighten up the dish beautifully!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you’ve got leftovers of this delicious Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, you’re in luck! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop it in the microwave for a quick fix. Just be sure to stir occasionally to keep everything nice and juicy!

FAQ Section

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so add an extra 10-15 minutes to the simmering time and make sure you have enough beef broth.

What if I don’t have beef broth? No worries! You can substitute it with chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a lighter option. It’ll still be delicious!

Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or even some hearty beans like black beans or lentils for protein. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it in the microwave or on the stove for a quick meal.

Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and ensure your rice is also gluten-free. Enjoy without worry!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle.

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened.
Stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Add the diced tomatoes, rice, and beef broth. Mix well.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Add cheese on top before serving, if desired.
This dish is great for meal prep.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, one-pan meal, quick dinner

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