Description
Spicy Mexican-inspired Unstuffed Pepper Skillet delivers a quick, one-pan meal packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Savory ground beef, bell peppers, and rice mingle in a zesty tomato sauce, creating a comforting dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) minced garlic
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 14.5 ounces (411 grams) petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 15 ounces (425 grams) tomato sauce
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) instant white rice
- Beef broth (salted, follow rice package instructions for ratio)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, approximately 375°F. Introduce diced bell peppers and onions, gently stirring to ensure even coating with oil. Allow vegetables to soften and develop golden edges for 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, breaking it into crumbly fragments. Cook until meat transforms from pink to rich brown, eliminating any raw appearance. Introduce minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30-45 seconds to release its fragrant essence.
- Eliminate excess fatty liquid from the meat mixture. Elevate flavor profile by sprinkling onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly integrate seasonings into the meat and vegetable blend.
- Gently fold in petite diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, instant rice, and beef broth. Ensure precise liquid ratio according to rice package instructions for optimal texture and absorption.
- Increase heat momentarily to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to low. Cover skillet and allow contents to gently simmer, approximately 15-20 minutes, until rice reaches complete tenderness and liquid vanishes.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and flavor intensity, presenting a hearty, rustic one-pan meal.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Swap white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that maintains the skillet’s delicious texture and flavor profile.
- Enhance protein content by adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top or mixing in some crumbled feta for extra richness.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting seasonings or adding a dash of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg