Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
All the Flavor of Stuffed Peppers in One Pan
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet captures the classic flavors of stuffed bell peppers without the extra work of hollowing peppers and baking. This one-pan meal is hearty, colorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a healthy family meal, this recipe is packed with protein, vegetables, and savory spices.
Why This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Is Special
- Quick and easy: Everything cooks in one pan.
- Customizable: Use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute.
- Balanced meal: Protein, veggies, and rice all in one dish.
- Kid-friendly: Mild seasoning can be adjusted to taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and water or broth.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover for 2–3 minutes to melt cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- Optional: serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
- Rice choice: Brown rice may require slightly more liquid and longer cooking time.
- Protein options: Use ground chicken, sausage, or plant-based crumbles as alternatives.
- Cheese: Skip or substitute with mozzarella or vegan cheese.
- Meal prep: Store in airtight container for 3–4 days; reheat gently.
Serving Ideas
- Serve directly from the skillet for family-style meals.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions up to 2 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
A quick and hearty one-pan meal with ground beef or turkey, bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and savory spices. Easy, colorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and water or broth.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top; cover 2–3 minutes to melt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- Optional: serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
Rice type may affect cooking time; adjust liquid as needed. Store leftovers in airtight container for 3–4 days. Freeze portions up to 2 months.
