If you love all the cozy, delicious flavors of stuffed peppers but want a way to skip the fuss and still get every bit of that comforting goodness, this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an easy, one-pan dinner that delivers the perfect balance of savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and hearty rice, all simmered together with a rich tomato base and just the right hints of herbs and spices. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a fast favorite in your household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture while keeping the process wonderfully straightforward. From the juicy ground beef to the vibrant bell peppers, every element plays a key role in crafting this irresistible skillet meal.
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey): Provides a rich, meaty base that’s both hearty and satisfying.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), diced: Bring vibrant color and a mild crunch to brighten the dish.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Offers a comforting, tender texture—use white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Infuses the skillet with juicy, tangy tomato flavor and natural moisture.
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce: Thickens and enriches the tomato base for a luscious finish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory depth with subtle garlicky warmth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Intensifies the onion flavor beyond the fresh diced onions.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces a fragrant herbal note to round out the spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky sweetness that makes the dish uniquely comforting.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance every flavor component.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping): Melts beautifully for a creamy and cheesy finish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking): Helps brown the beef and soften the veggies without sticking.
How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it into small pieces with your spoon. This step builds the foundational meaty flavor, and draining excess fat ensures your dish doesn’t get greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Next, toss in the diced onions and bell peppers. Let them soften for about 4 to 5 minutes. This not only enhances their sweetness but also melds their flavors beautifully with the beef, creating a well-rounded base for the skillet.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Sauces
Now, stir in your cooked rice, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato sauce. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures each bite is packed with that perfect blend of spices and tangy tomato flavor.
Step 4: Simmer
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together, giving you a harmonious, comforting dish that tastes like it simmered for hours.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet. Replace the lid and let it melt into a gooey, irresistible layer, adding creamy richness that perfectly complements the savory filling.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet hot and fresh from the stove. Every bite offers a delightful mix of juicy beef, tender veggies, and soft rice—all without the hassle of hollowing peppers out. It’s a wonderful weeknight dinner that brings comfort and ease together like no other.
How to Serve Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish can brighten up this comforting skillet meal in an instant. Consider a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor, or add a dollop of sour cream for creamy tang that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish is a satisfying standalone meal, but pairing it with a simple side salad or steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans adds extra nutrients and freshness. For a heartier option, crusty bread or garlic bread makes a fantastic companion to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe in individual ramekins or large muffin tins for a playful, portion-controlled presentation. You could also spoon it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or even stuff it inside baked potatoes for a new take on classic comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy after a busy day when you want a quick, satisfying meal without any extra effort.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If you included cheese, a quick broil in the oven can revive that melted, bubbly goodness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that still offers plenty of flavor and texture in this recipe. Just brown it as you would beef, and the rest of the steps remain the same.
Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes! Simply substitute the cooked rice with cauliflower rice to keep things low-carb while still enjoying the same delicious flavors and textures.
Can I make this in advance and reheat it for a quick meal?
Definitely. This dish reheats wonderfully, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
What can I do if I want this dish spicier?
Feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce while seasoning for a spicy kick that livens up the comforting flavors.
Is the cheese really necessary?
Not at all—cheese is optional here. It adds a lovely melty texture and richness, but the dish is flavorful and satisfying even without it.
Final Thoughts
This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe truly hits the sweet spot between simple cooking and satisfying comfort food. It’s flavorful, colorful, and easy enough to whip up any night of the week. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone craving that classic stuffed pepper taste without the fuss, so give it a try—you might just find your next go-to dinner favorite!
Print
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal that captures all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the hassle. Ground beef, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and seasoned rice simmer together in a savory tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), diced
Grains and Sauces
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté the veggies: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, which enhances their flavor and texture.
- Add the rice and sauces: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the rice to absorb the tomato sauce.
- Add cheese (optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into a delicious, gooey topping.
- Serve: Serve the skillet hot straight from the pan. This hearty, flavorful dish makes for an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
- Feel free to add more vegetables such as diced zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and use plant-based ground meat or add beans.
