Description
Sizzling Mexican-inspired “Stuffed Pepper Skillet” delivers bold flavors with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese in one pan. Quick weeknight dinner satisfies hunger while bringing zesty southwestern comfort straight to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground turkey or lean ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (yellow, red, or orange), diced
- 15 ounces (15 oz) canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces (15 oz) canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 5.5 ounces (5.5 oz) tomato paste
Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed (jasmine recommended)
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon (¼ tsp) red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnish: Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Gently sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and softened.
- Incorporate colorful bell peppers into the skillet, stirring briefly to enhance their vibrant flavors and slightly soften their texture.
- Introduce ground protein (turkey or beef) to the vegetable mixture, breaking it into smaller crumbles. Season with garlic powder and salt, cooking until the meat loses its raw appearance.
- Create a robust flavor profile by adding rice, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their natural juices, concentrated tomato paste, savory chicken broth, Italian herb blend, and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes.
- Allow the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling state, then reduce heat and cover the skillet. Let the ingredients simmer and meld together, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After approximately 15 minutes, verify the rice has reached a tender consistency. Adjust liquid content if necessary to achieve a creamy, cohesive texture.
- Enhance the dish by sprinkling mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a luxurious melted topping. Remove from heat and allow residual warmth to complete the cheese melting process.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley and optional additional mozzarella. Serve immediately while the skillet remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier, lower-fat version of this skillet meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
- Swap white rice with cauliflower rice to create a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that’s packed with nutrients.
- Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to add unique flavor dimensions and keep the dish exciting.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce kitchen stress, making
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg