Description
A quick and easy skillet meal that combines ground meat, rice, bell peppers, and cheese for a comforting dinner ready in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 2 large green bell peppers, diced
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (or instant rice)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup plain tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Wash and dice bell peppers into 1/2-inch cubes. Dice onion finely and mince garlic.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Push meat to the side and add diced onions and peppers to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and peppers soften. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Ensure rice is submerged in liquid.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 5 minutes (instant rice) or 15-18 minutes (long-grain rice). Do not lift the lid.
- Check if rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. If needed, add a splash of broth and cook 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes off heat to melt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with optional toppings.
Notes
If using instant rice, monitor closely to prevent mushiness. For a low-carb option, substitute white rice with cauliflower rice and reduce broth to 1/2 cup. Ensure you do not lift the lid while rice is simmering to maintain steam.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
Keywords: unstuffed peppers, quick dinner, skillet meal, cheesy rice, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, ground beef, comfort food