Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Inspired by taco stuffed bell peppers, this deconstructed stuffed pepper skillet uses convenient and nutritious ingredients, is packed full of veggies, and easily puts a delicious one-pot meal on the table that your entire family will love.

Let’s face it, stuffed peppers are a fun way to get in a serving of colorful foods but they’re not always the easiest dinner to get on the table. From the steaming of the peppers, to the cooking of the filling, to the stuffing, then to baking… hours later, you get to finally enjoy your stuffed peppers!

Enter, this unstuffed pepper skillet! It’s all the flavors of taco stuffed bell peppers but deconstructed into a one-pot meal that will be ready to enjoy in under 45 minutes.

Nutrition and flavor don’t mean you need to spend hours in the kitchen, and this deconstructed pepper skillet is here to prove that to you!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

This unstuffed pepper skillet will be a hit in your home because it’s:

• Full of convenient ingredients: canned beans and tomatoes, frozen bell peppers, and boxes Spanish rice give you all the flavors of taco stuffed bell peppers but help cut down on prep time, getting you through the dinner rush a little bit easier.

• Nutritious: This ground beef skillet is packed with protein, beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, green chiles, and then topped with healthy fats from some fresh avocado. Perfectly balanced meal all in one-pot!

• Kid friendly! If you have a little one who seems to constantly push around the colorful parts of their meal then this skillet could be something they love! (plus, it has all of the vegetables cooked into it already.)

• Meal prep friendly: Deconstructed peppers are a great meal-prep option and this skillet could be a delicious work lunch or prepped meal for your busy week.

• A one-pot meal: as a busy mom, I appreciate this as much as you do! Who wants tons of clean up? Not this girl!

And so much more!

Ingredients:

• Lean ground beef: I like to make this as a ground beef skillet but you could also opt for ground turkey or even diced chicken.

• Taco seasoning: we will add this to our protein.

• Boxed spanish rice: this adds lots of flavor, trust me!

• Frozen bell peppers: obviously a key ingredient for a deconstructed pepper skillet! You could also use fresh bell peppers that have been sliced into thin strips! (about 3 large bell peppers)

• Diced Tomatoes: One can of diced tomatoes OR Rotel will work great here.

• Diced green chiles: You can use mild, medium, or hot depending on how spicy you want it! If you are cooking for kids or have a lower spicy tolerance then would recommend choosing mild.

• Black beans: Could also use pinto beans.

• Cilantro: This helps give the easy to use ingredients a more home-made and fresh flavor.

• Toppings: Shredded cheese and avocado will be used as toppings and I recommend adding them right when you are ready to eat!

The process:

There are only a few steps and one pot needed to get this unstuffed pepper skillet ready to enjoy. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a large pan, brown your ground beef and taco seasoning over medium heat until cooked through. Set aside on a pan.

2. In the same pot add your boxed rice and its seasoning packet, bell peppers, beans (drained), tomatoes (drained), green chiles, and cilantro. Add 2 cups of water, cover, and cook over low/medium heat for about 35 minutes stirring occasionally. Your skillet is ready when the rice is soft and all of the water has been absorbed.

3. Stir back in your meat until the dish is fully warmed through.

4. Top with cheese and diced avocado then serve and enjoy!

LTN Tip: if you are going to meal prep this skillet, only add the cheese and avocado when you are ready to eat! This way, your avocado will stay fresh.

Recipe FAQ:

1. Can I use fresh bell peppers?

   1. Yes, this recipe can be made with fresh bell peppers as well! It will be about three large bell peppers that have been sliced into thin pieces and you can follow the same recipe.

2. How long can I store the leftovers for?

   1. The USDA recommends storing leftovers for 3-5 days. in the refrigerator or for 3 to 4 months in the freezer.

3. Can I freeze this skillet?

   1. This recipe is freezer friendly and can be frozen in an air tight container! Then, you can reheat from frozen for 1-2 hours on low in the oven OR set the frozen skillet in the refrigerator the night before and warm it in a large skillet when you are ready to eat.

Yield: 6-8

Author: Lauren Twigge

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Unstuffed pepper skillet

This flavor filled unstuffed pepper skillet is bursting with vegetables and uses convenient yet nutritious ingredients to help you get a delicious dinner on the table that your entire family will love.

Ingredients

• 16 oz lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 bag frozen bell pepper blend (14oz) *OR 3 full bell peppers, washed and diced.*
• 1 can black or pinto beans (15 oz), drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz), drained
• 1 can mild diced green chiles (4 oz), drained
• 1 box Spanish rice of choice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup - 1 cup cheddar cheese for topping
• 1 avocado, diced

Instructions

1. Add your ground beef and taco seasoning to a large skillet and cook over medium heat until cooked through (about 12 minutes). Set aside on a plate.
2. In the same skillet add your boxed rice, box seasoning packet, beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, green chiles, and cilantro. Add 2 cups of water then cover and cook over low/medium heat for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally. Your skillet is finished once all the water is absorbed and the rice is soft.
3. Top with your cheddar cheese and diced avocados. Enjoy!

Nutrition information has been approximated.

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Hey! I’m Lauren

I’m a Registered Dietitian and busy toddler mom committed to bringing you delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make recipes!