Name: Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef or chicken broth; 3/4 cups white Jasmine rice; 2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped; 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juices; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 12-15 cranks fresh-ground black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; Parsley for garnish (optional)

why make this recipe

Unstuffed Peppers Skillet is a quick and easy twist on stuffed peppers. It combines all the delicious flavors of the classic dish but eliminates the need for extra cooking steps. This skillet meal is not only simple to make, but it also saves time on prep and clean-up. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a complete meal in one pan that is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients.

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how to make Unstuffed Peppers Skillet

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium yellow onion (chopped)
3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups beef or chicken broth
3/4 cups white Jasmine rice
2 bell peppers (any color, seeded and chopped)
1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
12-15 cranks fresh-ground black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is crumbled and well-browned. Drain any excess grease and return the skillet to the heat.
Stir in the beef or chicken broth, rice, chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rapid simmer. Stir well, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Gently stir the mixture, then top with shredded mozzarella. Return the skillet to the heat and cover, or place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt and brown the cheese, if desired. Garnish with parsley or other herbs as you like, and serve.

how to serve Unstuffed Peppers Skillet

Serve the Unstuffed Peppers Skillet directly from the pan for a comforting family meal. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread. This dish can also be served over a bed of greens for a lighter option.

how to store Unstuffed Peppers Skillet

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

tips to make Unstuffed Peppers Skillet

For extra flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or zucchini to the mix.
If you prefer a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the liquid accordingly.

Can I freeze Unstuffed Peppers Skillet?

Yes, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months.

What can I do if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar as a substitute.