Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: mozzarella cheese

Reduced-fat cheese cuts calories, while mozzarella is generally cheaper.

Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or canola oil to the skillet and let it heat for a minute or two until it shimmers.

Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, chopping it as it cooks until browned.

Add 1/2 cup of quick cooking brown rice directly to the pan and let it toast for 2 minutes.

Add a 14 ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, 8 ounces of tomato sauce, and 1 cup of low sodium beef broth to the skillet.

Add 2 diced bell peppers (1 medium red and 1 medium orange) and 1 cup of diced onion to the mixture.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and a dash of cayenne.

Mix everything together and bring it to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat.

Stir the mixture every 5 to 10 minutes for about 20 to 25 minutes until the rice and vegetables are fully cooked.

After 20 minutes, check the consistency; it should be creamy and saucy with most of the liquid absorbed.

Sprinkle 3/4 cup of shredded Italian or cheddar cheese over the top and let it sit for a couple of minutes to melt.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens