Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Do you crave the comforting flavor of stuffed peppers but dread all the prep work that comes with them? Meet your new best friend — the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet! This one-pan wonder has all the hearty, savory goodness of traditional stuffed peppers but skips the tedious stuffing process. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome, flavorful dinner ready to serve — perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.

Fun fact: the classic stuffed pepper is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, where cooks filled vibrant bell peppers with flavorful meats, rice, and herbs. This simplified version brings that same timeless flavor to your kitchen with half the effort.

If you love cozy meals like my Chicken Alfredo Bake, you’ll adore this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet. It’s budget-friendly, comforting, and guaranteed to make your home smell amazing. So grab your skillet — it’s time to make dinner magic happen!

What Is Unstuffed Pepper Skillet?

Think of it as the lazy chef’s version of stuffed peppers — all the flavor, none of the fuss. Instead of painstakingly filling each pepper, everything cooks together in one skillet, creating a rich and savory medley of ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and tender bell peppers.

It’s the ultimate comfort food — hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor. You might even say it’s the rebellious cousin of traditional stuffed peppers. And as the old saying goes, “The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach,” this dish will definitely do the trick!

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. All the Flavor, None of the Fuss: Get that same satisfying taste as classic stuffed peppers without any of the tedious prep.

2. Budget-Friendly & Customizable: Use pantry staples and swap in your favorite ingredients to suit your taste or diet.

3. Family-Approved Comfort Food: Melty cheese, tender rice, and savory meat — what’s not to love?

If you enjoy easy, family-friendly comfort meals like Cheesy Taco Pasta, this skillet will quickly become part of your weeknight rotation.

How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

⏱️ Quick Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

This simple one-pan meal comes together in just half an hour and requires minimal cleanup. Perfect for those nights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large bell peppers, chopped (any color you like)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil, for cooking

‍ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

2. Brown the Meat:
   Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add the Veggies:
   Stir in the chopped bell peppers and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until the peppers start to soften.

4. Combine the Base:
   Add diced tomatoes (with their juices) and cooked rice. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Add the Cheese:
   Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts.

6. Serve & Enjoy:
   Remove from heat, scoop generous portions onto plates, and garnish with fresh herbs, sour cream, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

What to Serve With Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

This dish is hearty enough to shine on its own, but you can elevate your meal with simple sides like:

• Crisp side salad with balsamic vinaigrette

• Crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the sauce

• Steamed veggies for extra greens

• Iced tea or lemonade to balance the richness

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Lean Protein Options: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Low-Carb Twist: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to cut down on carbs.

• Add More Veggies: Corn, mushrooms, or black beans make great additions.

• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the meat to prevent it from drying out.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it feels dry.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

A quick and easy one-pan meal combining ground meat, bell peppers, and spices, finished with melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey Choose lean meat for a healthier option.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large bell peppers, chopped Any color preferred.
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Method

 

Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, adding a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Brown the Meat

1. Add your ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper, stirring to combine.

Mix in the Veggies

1. Toss in the chopped bell peppers and Italian seasoning. Cook until the peppers begin to soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Incorporate the Rice and Tomatoes

1. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and cooked rice, mixing well to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to heat through.

Add Cheese

1. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, putting a lid on the skillet for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the cheese is bubbly and melted, remove from heat. Dish out the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet and top with any additional toppings you love, such as sour cream or fresh herbs.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of water or broth if needed.