If you’ve ever found yourself craving the cozy, comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but want something quicker and less fussy, then you’re in for a real treat. This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe brings all the vibrant colors, hearty textures, and rich tastes of traditional stuffed peppers straight into one easy, one-pan meal. Imagine tender strips of bell pepper mingling with savory ground beef, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked rice—all simmered in a luscious tomato sauce and topped with melty cheese. It’s not just dinner—it’s a warm, satisfying experience that feels like a big, flavorful hug from your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe lies in how simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious. Each item plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this dish so irresistible.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth base for browning the beef and sautéing veggies with a subtle fruity note.
- Lean ground beef: Delivers hearty, savory flavor and satisfying protein to keep you full and content.
- Yellow onion: Thinly sliced for sweetness and a delicate crunch once cooked down.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse deep, aromatic warmth throughout the skillet.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that brings herbal brightness and complexity to the dish.
- Ground paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and enhances the beautiful color.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Long grain white rice: The perfect tender grain to soak up all the savory tomato juices.
- Bell peppers: Seeded and sliced into strips for sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Beef broth: Low sodium preferred, it enriches the skillet with additional savory depth.
- Tomato sauce: The rich, tangy heart of the dish that ties everything together.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and fresh bursts of tomato flavor—cherry or canned both work.
- Shredded cheese: A mix of parmesan and mozzarella melts into creamy, gooey perfection right at the end.
How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This step builds a savory foundation and caramelized flavor that’s key to the dish’s depth.
Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Seasonings
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the thinly sliced yellow onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and everything smells fragrant. These ingredients add layers of sweetness, warmth, and herbal brightness that will infuse every bite.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Bell Peppers
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the uncooked rice and the short strips of bell pepper. Allow them to cook together for a couple of minutes until the peppers just start to soften. The rice will soon absorb all the delicious flavors, while the peppers keep a lovely bite and vibrant color.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth, Tomato Sauce, and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth next, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those tasty browned bits. Then add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. This creates a luscious, flavorful cooking liquid for the rice.
Step 5: Simmer with a Lid
Lower the heat to medium-low, keeping the mixture at a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything cook until the rice is tender—approximately 20 minutes if you’re using parboiled white rice. During this time, the flavors meld beautifully and the rice soaks up all the rich tomato and beef broth juices.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve
Once the rice is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat and stir the mixture well. Sprinkle in half of the cheese—parmesan works wonderfully here—and then top with the remaining mozzarella. Cover again for two minutes so the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible layer. Serve immediately for the best melty, comforting experience.
How to Serve Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to brighten this dish up with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon can also add a lovely tang that cuts through the richness, elevating each bite into a balanced flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This skillet can easily be a stand-alone meal, but if you want to complement it, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread for sopping up every delicious drop of sauce. Steamed green beans or a simple cucumber salad also bring a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe in colorful individual ramekins or even inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a playful twist. Layer it in a casserole dish for a buffet-style meal or top with avocado slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added freshness and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making each reheated serving just as comforting as the first.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to keep the rice moist and the cheese melty.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will work great but will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Just adjust the broth and simmer time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through and remains tender.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for the beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying it out, and consider adding a bit more seasoning to boost flavor since turkey is milder than beef.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You bet! Replace the beef with hearty mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and the same blend of spices will give you all the flavor you crave.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Parmesan and mozzarella make a beautiful melty duo, balancing sharpness and creaminess. Feel free to experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of feta for different flavor profiles.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
You can assemble the skillet up to when you add the broth and tomato sauce, then refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours. When ready, add liquids and cook as directed. Baking may dry it out, so simmering on the stove is best for maintaining the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like home the moment it hits your plate. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully comforting, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. I encourage you to try it out and watch how quickly it becomes a regular favorite in your meal rotation, bringing warmth and smiles with every bite.
Print
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that delivers all the flavors of traditional stuffed bell peppers without the hassle of stuffing. It combines browned ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, tender bell peppers, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, all topped with a melty, cheesy finish. Ready in just about 45 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to make.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup long grain white rice (parboiled preferred)
- 2 bell peppers, seeded and sliced into short strips
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 23 ounces tomato sauce (combine one 8-oz can and one 15-oz can)
- 1/3 cup diced tomatoes (cherry, regular, or canned drained)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, crumbling the meat as it cooks to ensure even cooking and a crumbly texture.
- Sauté aromatics and season: Reduce heat to medium. Add thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ground paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add rice and peppers: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in the uncooked rice and sliced bell peppers carefully. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the peppers to begin softening while incorporating the rice evenly into the mixture.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to enhance flavor. Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, then stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer and cook rice: Reduce heat to medium-low, maintaining a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook undisturbed until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 20 minutes for parboiled white rice.
- Melt cheese and finish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir the mixture well. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover with the lid again for 2 minutes to let the cheese melt completely. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use parboiled or quick-cooking rice for faster preparation and consistent results.
- Low sodium beef broth helps control salt levels without sacrificing flavor.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the cheese types to your preference; cheddar or provolone work well too.
- Make sure to keep the skillet covered during the simmering step to allow rice to cook evenly and absorb flavors.
