Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- ⅔ cup uncooked rice
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Preparation of Ingredients:
- Begin by preparing your vegetables. Chop the onion and bell peppers into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Mince the garlic finely to distribute its flavor throughout the dish.
- Cooking the Meat and Vegetables:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onions, and bell peppers. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the ground beef is thoroughly browned. Make sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks to promote even cooking and better integration of flavors.
- Draining Excess Fat:
- Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step ensures that the dish isn’t overly greasy and helps to highlight the robust flavors of the vegetables and spices.
- Adding Spices and Tomatoes:
- Return the skillet to the heat. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, which will introduce a rich, tangy base to the dish and help to deglaze the pan.
- Incorporating Rice and Broth:
- Stir in the rice and beef broth. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the skillet. The broth will not only cook the rice but also combine with the tomatoes and spices to create a flavorful sauce.
- Simmering the Dish:
- Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the skillet and allow it to cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adding the Cheese:
- Once the rice is cooked, evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
- Serving:
- Serve the Ground Beef and Peppers Skillet hot. This dish is a comforting, one-pan meal that encapsulates the flavors of a classic stuffed pepper but with the ease and simplicity of a skillet meal. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual dining experience with family.
Enjoy your cooking, and relish this homely and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit at any table!
