Description
Get that classic stuffed pepper taste in under 30 minutes! Savor the crisp-tender tri-peppers mingling with savory browned beef and tangy tomatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green), chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and ground beef, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Step 2: Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still have some crispness. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and the tomato sauce. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits.
- Step 4: Stir in the 2 cups of cooked rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
- Step 5: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the liquid has slightly reduced and thickened.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Notes
- This hearty skillet freezes beautifully; store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, ensuring you leave room for expansion.
- When reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop, sprinkle a tablespoon of water or broth over the dish first; this keeps the rice fluffy and prevents the sauce from becoming gluey.
- Serve immediately topped with a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar or mozzarella and a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the rich, savory sauce.
- Don't skip the step of blooming the Italian seasoning (Step 2); heating the spices in the hot oil for 30 seconds before adding the liquids will deepen their herbal aroma and flavor significantly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 405
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 10g