Quick & Easy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Hi I'm Benjamin

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 18, 2025

There’s something special about a dish that brings together bold flavors, comforting textures, and a hint of nostalgia. This One-Pan Southwestern Beef & Rice Skillet is one of those meals that instantly reminds me of home—where the aroma of spices filled the kitchen, and a single pan was all it took to create a meal that had everyone gathered around the table.

Growing up, my family loved meals that were both simple and satisfying. My mother, always looking for ways to create delicious dinners without spending hours in the kitchen, would often make skillet meals packed with protein, vegetables, and just the right amount of spice. This recipe is inspired by those childhood dinners—full of tender ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and warm southwestern spices.

What makes this dish so special is its balance of bold flavors and hearty textures. It’s a meal that feels indulgent, yet it’s packed with wholesome ingredients. Plus, the convenience of cooking everything in one pan makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to deliver on flavor and satisfaction.

Why This One-Pan Meal is a Must-Try

1. Bold Southwestern Flavors

The combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano creates a rich and aromatic seasoning blend that brings depth to every bite. The spices don’t overpower but instead complement the savory beef, smoky tomatoes, and sweet bell peppers.

2. Simple and Convenient One-Pan Cooking

Who doesn’t love a meal that requires minimal cleanup? This dish is cooked entirely in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash while still delivering a full, well-balanced meal.

3. Hearty and Filling

With lean ground beef, rice, and vegetables, this meal is packed with protein and fiber, making it both filling and nutritious. It’s the kind of dish that keeps you satisfied for hours without feeling too heavy.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This skillet meal stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. The flavors actually get better as they sit, so leftovers taste just as delicious as the first bite.

5. Kid-Friendly and Customizable

The mild spice level makes this dish kid-friendly, but it’s also easy to customize if you like things spicier. Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Tips for the Best One-Pan Southwestern Beef & Rice Skillet

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few tricks to making it even more flavorful and perfectly textured.

1. Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes for a Smoky Depth

Regular canned diced tomatoes work fine, but fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a subtle smoky depth that enhances the overall flavor. If you haven’t tried them before, they’re a game-changer in dishes like this.

2. Don’t Skip Sautéing the Spices

After browning the beef, letting the chili powder, cumin, and paprika cook for an extra 30 seconds in the pan unlocks their full aroma and deepens the flavors.

3. Adjust the Spice Level to Your Taste

If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder slightly or omit the red pepper flakes. If you love spice, increase the cumin, add diced jalapeños, or use chipotle powder instead of paprika.

4. Let the Rice Cook Undisturbed

Once you add the rice and broth, resist the urge to stir too often. Letting the rice cook undisturbed helps it absorb the liquid evenly, resulting in perfectly tender grains.

5. Let the Cheese Melt Naturally

When adding the shredded cheddar cheese at the end, turn off the heat and cover the skillet for a couple of minutes. This allows the cheese to melt smoothly without overcooking the dis

For the Beef & Vegetables:

1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ yellow onion, diced
3 bell peppers, diced (2 red, 1 green)
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Seasoning:

1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning)
1½ teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (more to taste)
½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For the Rice & Sauce:

1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ cup long grain white rice (dry/uncooked)
1 cup beef broth (more as needed)
1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (do not drain)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Directions for a Hearty Meal

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef & Add Seasonings

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Stir in oregano, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 3: Cook the Rice & Simmer

Mix in the tomato paste, uncooked rice, beef broth, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese & Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Calories: ~400 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~32g
Protein: ~28g
Fat: ~18g
Saturated Fat: ~7g
Fiber: ~4g
Sodium: ~550mg

This One-Pan Southwestern Beef & Rice Skillet is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein, bold spices, and melty cheese, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite!

Ways to Customize This Recipe

One of the best things about this One-Pan Southwestern Beef & Rice Skillet is how easy it is to modify based on dietary preferences or what you have in your pantry.

1. Make It Low-Carb

If you want a low-carb or keto-friendly version, swap the white rice for cauliflower rice. Since cauliflower rice cooks faster, reduce the broth to ½ cup and add it near the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too mushy.

2. Swap the Protein

Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner alternative to ground beef that still absorbs all the delicious spices.
Black Beans or Lentils: For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with a can of drained black beans or cooked lentils.
Chorizo: For extra smoky flavor, replace half of the beef with Mexican chorizo.

3. Add More Vegetables

This recipe already has bell peppers and onions, but you can load it up with even more veggies:

Zucchini – Dice it and add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Corn – Stir in a cup of frozen or canned corn for extra sweetness.
Spinach – Toss in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for added greens.

4. Make It Creamy

For an ultra-creamy version, stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving. This adds a slight tang and makes the dish extra rich.

Best Ways to Serve This Skillet Meal

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with the right sides can enhance the meal even more.

1. Serve It with Tortillas

Spoon the beef and rice mixture into warm flour tortillas for easy burritos or soft tacos.

2. Top It with Avocado or Guacamole

Creamy avocado slices or a spoonful of guacamole add freshness and balance the spices.

3. Add a Cool, Creamy Topping

A dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even queso fresco adds a creamy contrast to the bold flavors.

4. Pair It with a Simple Side Salad

A fresh lime-dressed salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time

Yes! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

2. Can I freeze this skillet meal?

Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

3. What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice works best because it stays fluffy. If using brown rice, increase the broth and cook time accordingly.

4. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Yes! Substitute ½ cup of uncooked quinoa and increase the broth by ¼ cup to ensure proper cooking.

5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or plant-based shredded cheese.

Conclusion: A One-Pan Meal That Delivers Every Time

This One-Pan Southwestern Beef & Rice Skillet is the kind of recipe that never disappoints—it’s bold, comforting, and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just looking for a flavor-packed, satisfying dinner, this dish is a must-try.

With its rich, smoky spices, hearty ground beef, and tender rice, every bite is filled with warmth and depth. Plus, with so many ways to customize and serve it, you’ll never get bored of making it.

So next time you need a quick, wholesome, and delicious meal, grab your skillet and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!