Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is the weeknight hero you never knew you needed! Imagine all the bold, comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers—sweet bell peppers, hearty ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—packed into one convenient skillet. No more painstakingly hollowing out peppers or waiting for them to bake; this recipe streamlines the process while delivering the same cozy satisfaction.
Perfect for busy nights, this dish comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and requires minimal cleanup. It’s family-friendly, packed with protein and veggies, and versatile enough to tweak based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s the colorful mix of peppers or the cheesy topping that wins you over, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This one-skillet dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic evenings.
- Family-Friendly: The hearty, cheesy flavors appeal to everyone—from picky eaters to adventurous foodies.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Skillet:
- Ground beef: 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey as a lighter option).
- Yellow onion: ½ cup chopped.
- Bell peppers: 1 green and 1 red bell pepper, diced (feel free to mix and match your favorite colors).
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Spices:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Tomato sauce: 1 can (16 ounces).
- Instant rice: 1½ cups (for quick cooking).
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded (or your favorite melting cheese).
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for a fresh burst of flavor).
How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Base Ingredients
Start by heating a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is warm, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, ensuring even browning.
When the beef is no longer pink, add the chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and their natural sweetness is released. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Step 2: Season the Mixture
Once the base is cooked, it’s time to build the flavor. Sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure every bite is seasoned to perfection. This step adds the warmth and spice that make this dish irresistible.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Sauce and Rice
Pour the tomato sauce over the beef and veggie mixture, stirring to coat everything in its rich, tangy goodness. Then, add the instant rice. Mix thoroughly, making sure the rice is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook
Turn up the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the sauce and soak up all the flavors.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the skillet. Cover again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. The result? A bubbling, cheesy layer that makes the dish irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy while it’s warm and gooey!
Helpful Tips
- Rice Choice: Instant rice is quick and convenient for this recipe. If using regular rice, pre-cook it or extend the simmering time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Just sauté them along with the peppers and onions.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (ensure all ingredients used are certified gluten-free)
Notes
- Ingredient Swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat instead of beef. Brown rice or pre-cooked rice also works.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with lentils or chickpeas.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, adding it in the last 5 minutes.
- Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for more nutrients.
- Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for variety.
- Seasoning Tips: Adjust spices to your taste. Add red pepper flakes for heat or Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Leftovers: Use as a burrito filling or reheat for a quick meal.
- Storage: Cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the dish from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat work wonderfully in this recipe.
Is there a way to make this dish lower carb?
Yes! Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Add it toward the end of cooking since it cooks much faster.
What if I don’t have instant rice?
No problem! Cook regular rice separately and stir it in just before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, try these easy and comforting recipes:
Conclusion
This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet proves that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. With its vibrant colors, hearty ingredients, and cheesy topping, this dish will win over even the toughest critics at the dinner table. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, adaptable, and ready in just 30 minutes. Give it a try tonight, and let it become your go-to recipe for comfort and convenience!
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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Description
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is the weeknight hero you never knew you needed! Imagine all the bold, comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers—sweet bell peppers, hearty ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—packed into one convenient skillet. No more painstakingly hollowing out peppers or waiting for them to bake; this recipe streamlines the process while delivering the same cozy satisfaction.
Perfect for busy nights, this dish comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and requires minimal cleanup. It’s family-friendly, packed with protein and veggies, and versatile enough to tweak based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s the colorful mix of peppers or the cheesy topping that wins you over, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- Ground beef: 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey as a lighter option).
- Yellow onion: ½ cup chopped.
- Bell peppers: 1 green and 1 red bell pepper, diced (feel free to mix and match your favorite colors).
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Spices:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Tomato sauce: 1 can (16 ounces).
- Instant rice: 1½ cups (for quick cooking).
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded (or your favorite melting cheese).
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for a fresh burst of flavor).
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Base Ingredients
Start by heating a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is warm, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, ensuring even browning.
When the beef is no longer pink, add the chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and their natural sweetness is released. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Step 2: Season the Mixture
Once the base is cooked, it’s time to build the flavor. Sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure every bite is seasoned to perfection. This step adds the warmth and spice that make this dish irresistible.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Sauce and Rice
Pour the tomato sauce over the beef and veggie mixture, stirring to coat everything in its rich, tangy goodness. Then, add the instant rice. Mix thoroughly, making sure the rice is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook
Turn up the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the sauce and soak up all the flavors.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the skillet. Cover again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. The result? A bubbling, cheesy layer that makes the dish irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy while it’s warm and gooey!
Notes
- Ingredient Swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat instead of beef. Brown rice or pre-cooked rice also works.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with lentils or chickpeas.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, adding it in the last 5 minutes.
- Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for more nutrients.
- Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for variety.
- Seasoning Tips: Adjust spices to your taste. Add red pepper flakes for heat or Worcestershire sauce for depth.
- Leftovers: Use as a burrito filling or reheat for a quick meal.
- Storage: Cool completely before storing in airtight containers.