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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
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The Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground meat, fresh bell peppers, rice, and tomato sauce into a quick, easy, and colorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. This gluten-free recipe delivers all the classic stuffed pepper flavors without the fuss of stuffing, making it a family-friendly and customizable option for any diet.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)

Vegetables

  • 2 cups chopped bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains

  • 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice

Tomato Base

  • 1 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (dried basil, oregano or mixed Italian seasoning)

Optional Toppings

  • ½ cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, or Parmesan)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces and finely dice the onions and garlic to ensure even cooking and harmonious flavor blending.
  2. Cook the meat and aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and break it apart, cooking until no longer pink. Then, add the diced onions and minced garlic, stirring until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add peppers and spices: Stir in the chopped bell peppers along with paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers start to soften and the spices are well combined.
  4. Incorporate rice and tomato base: Add the cooked rice or cauliflower rice and pour in the tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Stir gently to combine and let the mixture simmer for several minutes to meld the flavors together.
  5. Finish with cheese (optional): Sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet briefly and cook until the cheese melts and becomes gooey, then serve.

Notes

  • Use fresh, vibrant bell peppers free from blemishes for the best flavor and crunch.
  • Do not overcook the peppers; keep them slightly crisp to maintain texture and color.
  • Season gradually and taste as you cook to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
  • Using a wide skillet ensures even cooking and better browning of ingredients.
  • Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: unstuffed pepper skillet, one-pan dinner, stuffed pepper recipe, gluten-free dinner, quick weeknight meal, ground meat skillet, healthy dinner

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/unstuffed-pepper-skillet/