Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

If you love stuffed peppers but want to skip the time-consuming process of stuffing each pepper, then this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is for you! It’s all the bold, savory flavors of your favorite stuffed peppers, but in a simple, one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want comfort food without the hassle. Picture tender bell peppers, savory ground beef, and zesty tomato all coming together in a skillet, topped with melted cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and downright irresistible. Trust me, you’ll be going back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Simple and Quick

This recipe is everything you love about stuffed peppers—without the fuss! No need to hollow out peppers or bake for ages. This dish is a breeze to put together and cooks up in no time, making it perfect for those nights when you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

All the Flavor You Crave

The flavors of stuffed peppers are all there—sweet bell peppers, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato base—but in a much quicker, more streamlined form. And let’s not forget the melted cheese on top, which takes everything to the next level of deliciousness!

Versatile

You can tweak this skillet to fit your tastes or what you have in the pantry. Want to make it a little spicier? Add some jalapeños or chili flakes. Prefer ground turkey or chicken over beef? Go ahead! This recipe is adaptable and can be customized to fit any dietary preference or what you’ve got on hand.

Ingredients for Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

For the Skillet:

• Bell Peppers: You can use any color you like—red, green, yellow, or orange. Each adds its own touch of sweetness to the dish.
• Ground Beef: The hearty, savory foundation of this dish. You can swap it for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Onion: Adds that rich, aromatic base flavor to complement the peppers and beef.
• Garlic: For that punch of savory goodness.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides the saucy base for all the ingredients to come together.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a bit of texture and extra tomato flavor to the skillet.
• Rice: The perfect filler to make this a complete, satisfying meal.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top makes everything melt together beautifully.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Aromatics: Toss in the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Saucy Goodness

1. Add the Peppers: Stir in the bell peppers, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
2. Stir in the Tomatoes: Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together. Bring to a simmer, and let it cook for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Cheese

1. Cook the Rice: Stir in the cooked rice (this can be leftover rice, or you can quickly cook it beforehand). Mix everything until well combined.
2. Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 3-4 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve Warm: Once the cheese is melted and everything is cooked through, serve the skillet hot, either by itself or with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 430
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 27g
Vitamin A: 20%
Vitamin C: 90%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 20%
Potassium: 680mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Serving Suggestions:

• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the skillet.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce left in the skillet.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli or a medley of sautéed veggies for added texture and nutrients.

Additional Tips

• Meal Prep: This skillet makes a great meal prep option. You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, and reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Make it Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to bring some heat to the dish.
• Cheese Variations: You can use any cheese you like! Try Monterey Jack for a different flavor, or even a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for some extra spice.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb version.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian crumbles substitute will work beautifully in this dish.

Q2: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A2: Absolutely! Brown rice is a great whole-grain substitute and adds a slightly nutty flavor to the dish.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes, this recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can even prepare everything ahead of time and cook it when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: Can I freeze the unstuffed pepper skillet?
A4: Yes, this skillet freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.

Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?
A5: You can add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat!

Q6: What’s the best type of cheese for this dish?
A6: Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all melt beautifully and pair wonderfully with the flavors in the skillet. Feel free to experiment with your favorite!

Q7: Can I skip the rice for a low-carb version?
A7: Yes! You can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb meal.

Q8: Can I make this vegetarian?
A8: Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for vegetarian crumbles, or even a hearty mixture of beans and quinoa.

Q9: Can I add other veggies to the skillet?
A9: Yes! Feel free to add corn, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Conclusion

This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is your new go-to weeknight dinner that brings all the hearty, comforting flavors of stuffed peppers without all the work. It’s quick, flavorful, and customizable, so you can make it your own. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for yourself, this skillet is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something warm, savory, and oh-so-delicious.

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