Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/4880cce5-01bc-4fd8-b917-1cfecbe29b4f
Original source: https://mallorythedietitian.com/unstuffed-pepper-skillet/
Recipe image: https://mallorythedietitian.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/unstuffed-pepper-skillet-on-a-plate-overhead-view.jpg

This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet exists because stuffed peppers are delicious, but let's be honest, nobody has time to stuff individual peppers on a random Tuesday night! So when I'm feeling a little lazy, this is my favorite way to get all the cozy flavors of stuffed peppers in deconstructed form. 😊
Yield: 4
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT25M
Total time: PT35M

Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef ()
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers, any color, diced ((I use 2 red bell peppers and 1 green bell pepper))
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh oregano, chopped ((or 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning))
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt ((more to taste))
- ¼ tsp black pepper ()
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup long grain white rice, dry ()
- 1 cup beef broth ((more as needed))
- 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes ()
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese ((optional))

Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add olive oil until heated. Add onion and red & green bell peppers and saute until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and oregano until fragrant, about 30 seconds and then add the ground beef and seasonings. Break apart the beef with a wooden spoon or masher. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and almost cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Then stir in the tomato paste.
3. Add the can of diced tomatoes (no need to drain), uncooked rice, and beef broth. Bring everything to a boil. Reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is cooked. Turn off the heat, give it a stir, and add extra broth if needed. Add the cheddar cheese to the top of the skillet (optional).
4. Hint: If you want to use minute rice instead, you only need to let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes and add the minute rice in the last 1-2 minutes. If using brown rice, cook the rice separately and add it to the mixture in the same way as minute rice.