Easy Unstuffed Peppers Skillet: Hearty Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Easy Unstuffed Peppers are a simple, comforting skillet dinner. Ground beef, rice, and peppers simmer in a savory tomato sauce. A quick family favorite!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - Ground Beef (1 lb, lean)
02 - Bell Peppers (2-3, mixed colors, chopped)
03 - Onion (1 medium, chopped)
04 - Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
05 - Canned Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can, undrained)
06 - Tomato Sauce (8 oz can)
07 - Cooked Rice (2 cups, white or brown)

→ Flavor Boosters

08 - Beef Broth (1/2 cup)
09 - Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp)
10 - Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)

→ Pantry Staples

11 - Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
12 - Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

13 - Shredded Cheese (1 cup, cheddar or mozzarella)
14 - Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your biggest skillet on medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Toss in the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it nicely browned, no pink bits, hon. This is where all that flavor starts building. I always drain off the excess fat here, otherwise, it can get a bit greasy, and nobody wants that. The kitchen starts smelling good already, a promise of deliciousness.
02 - Once the beef is browned and drained, add your chopped onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté them until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, and don't forget the garlic! Add it in the last minute or so to avoid burning it – I've made that mistake too many times, and burnt garlic is just sad. The smell of the peppers softening is just delightful, so sweet, making these Easy Unstuffed Peppers even better.
03 - Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is well combined. This is where the magic happens, as all those flavors start to meld together. Bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. I usually let it bubble away, feeling the warmth in the kitchen. It’s the heart of our Easy Unstuffed Peppers.
04 - Reduce the heat to low and gently fold in the cooked rice. You want to mix it in evenly, but don't overmix, or the rice might get mushy – learned that the hard way! Taste the mixture here and adjust your salt and pepper. This is your chance to make it perfect for your palate. Sometimes I add a little extra pepper if I'm feeling spunky. It's starting to look like a proper meal now, vibrant and inviting.
05 - Sprinkle that glorious shredded cheese all over the top of your Easy Unstuffed Peppers. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. The anticipation here is real, watching that cheese turn into a golden, gooey blanket. Honestly, this is my favorite part, because who doesn't love melted cheese? It signals dinner is almost ready!
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if you're feeling fancy – it adds such a nice pop of color and freshness. Dish it out warm, and prepare for happy sighs. The aroma is just incredible, a true comfort food masterpiece. Enjoy those Easy Unstuffed Peppers, you've earned it after all that 'hard' work!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix the rice; it gets gummy, trust me, I've done it.
02 - Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; sometimes it needs a little more oomph!
03 - Let it simmer gently; rushing the sauce development means less flavor, and we want ALL the flavor.
04 - For extra depth, brown the ground beef until it gets a little crispy on the edges; it adds so much flavor!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - cutting board
03 - knife
04 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 28g

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