Name: Easy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; ½ yellow onion, diced; 3 bell peppers (2 red, 1 green), diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning); 1½ teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (more to taste); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ½ cup long grain white rice, dry/uncooked; 1 cup beef broth (more as needed); 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); ½-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet transforms the classic stuffed peppers into a convenient one-pot wonder that delivers all the beloved flavors without the fuss of stuffing. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that comes together quickly and pleases everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot simplicity means less cleanup and more family time
Ready in about 30 minutes for those busy weeknight dinners
Nutritionally balanced with protein, vegetables, and carbs in every bite
Budget-friendly using everyday ingredients
Customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences
Makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day
All the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the tedious stuffing process
Kid-friendly yet sophisticated enough for adults

Easy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef forms the protein foundation of this dish, providing satisfying richness and hearty texture. Lean ground beef (90%) works best to keep the dish flavorful without excess grease, but you could substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Olive oil helps sauté the vegetables and adds a subtle richness to the final dish. It’s a heart-healthy fat that enhances both flavor and texture.

Yellow onion creates an aromatic base that develops deep flavor as it cooks. Its natural sweetness balances the savory elements in the dish and becomes mellow and delicious when sautéed.

Bell peppers are the star ingredient, providing vibrant color, sweet flavor, and nutritional value. Using a combination of colors (red, green, yellow) makes the dish visually appealing while each color offers slightly different flavor notes—red being sweetest, green more vegetal.

Garlic adds essential aromatic complexity that elevates all the other flavors. Fresh minced cloves provide the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch.

Fresh oregano brings a Mediterranean note that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and beef. If using dried, remember it’s more concentrated, so you’ll need less.

Chili powder, cumin and paprika create a warming spice blend that gives depth without overwhelming heat. These spices complement the beef and tomatoes beautifully, creating that classic stuffed pepper flavor profile.

Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor with its concentrated richness, helping to build a flavorful sauce as everything cooks together.

White rice absorbs the flavorful liquid while cooking directly in the skillet, thickening the dish and creating that perfect stuffed pepper texture. The rice cooks right in the skillet, soaking up all the wonderful flavors.

Beef broth provides the cooking liquid for the rice while adding another layer of savory depth. It infuses the entire dish with rich flavor as it reduces.

Fire-roasted diced tomatoes bring acidity, sweetness, and a subtle smokiness that regular diced tomatoes lack. The fire-roasting process caramelizes some of the natural sugars in the tomatoes, enhancing their flavor.

Cheddar cheese creates an irresistible melty topping that brings creamy richness and a touch of sharpness to balance the dish. It forms that perfect golden crust that makes everyone eager to dig in.

Directions

Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add olive oil until heated. Add onion and bell peppers and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Add garlic and oregano until fragrant, about 30 seconds, and then add the ground beef and seasonings (chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper). Break apart the beef with a wooden spoon or masher. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and almost cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Then stir in the tomato paste.
Add the can of diced tomatoes (no need to drain), uncooked rice, and beef broth. Bring everything to a boil. Reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is cooked.
Turn off the heat, give it a stir, and add extra broth if needed. Add the cheddar cheese to the top of the skillet and allow it to melt.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings of about 2 cups each. It’s perfect for a family of four, or for couples who enjoy having leftovers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Each serving contains approximately 421 calories, with a well-balanced nutritional profile of 35g carbohydrates, 32g protein, and 17g fat.

Variations

Vegetarian Unstuffed Peppers: Replace the ground beef with 2 cups of cooked lentils or 16 ounces of crumbled firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Mexican-Style: Add 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup of corn kernels, and substitute the cheddar with Mexican blend cheese. Serve with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream.

Italian Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, substitute the cheddar with mozzarella, and stir in 1/4 cup of fresh basil before serving.

Extra Spicy: Double the amount of chili powder and add 1 diced jalapeño with the bell peppers. Include the optional red pepper flakes for even more heat.

Low-Carb Option: Substitute the rice with 2 cups of cauliflower rice. Reduce the broth to 1/2 cup and simmer for only 5-7 minutes.

Mediterranean Version: Add 1/2 cup of chopped Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar, and stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach at the end until wilted.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often develop and taste even better the next day!

Freezer Storage: This dish freezes beautifully. Once cooled, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.

Thawing: For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating on Stovetop: Place leftovers in a skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth, cover, and heat on medium-low until warmed through (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Reheating in Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir, and heat in additional 30-second intervals if needed.

Meal Prep Tip: This recipe is excellent for batch cooking. Consider doubling the recipe and freezing portions for future quick meals.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice has a longer cooking time than white rice. If using brown rice, you’ll need to add about 15-20 additional minutes to the simmering time and potentially more broth as it cooks. Monitor the liquid levels and add more broth if it begins to look dry.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To boost the nutritional profile, try using ground turkey instead of beef, brown rice instead of white, and adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also reduce the cheese or use a lower-fat variety.

Can I use instant rice to make this dish even quicker?

Yes! If using instant rice, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking instead of simmering it with the rest of the ingredients for the full time. This prevents the rice from becoming mushy.

What can I do if my rice isn’t fully cooked?

If your rice hasn’t softened after the recommended cooking time, add 1/4 cup more broth or water, cover, and continue simmering in 5-minute increments until tender. Different brands of rice may require slightly different cooking times.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese or substitute with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish is still delicious without cheese if you prefer to skip it entirely.

What’s the best type of pan to use for this recipe?

A large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid works best. Cast iron, stainless steel, or a non-stick pan at least 12 inches in diameter with 2-3 inch sides will provide enough space for all ingredients and proper heat distribution.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

This recipe is very versatile! Consider adding diced zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, or spinach. Add firmer vegetables with the bell peppers, and more delicate ones like spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The base recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific ingredients, especially broths and seasonings, as some brands may contain hidden gluten or be processed in facilities with gluten-containing products.

How spicy is this dish?

As written, this recipe has a mild to medium heat level. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chili powder and skip the optional red pepper flakes. For more heat, increase these ingredients or add diced jalapeños.

Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?

This is an excellent make-ahead dish! Prepare it fully up to 2 days before, refrigerate, and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth. Add the cheese just before serving for that fresh-melted finish.

Conclusion

This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet brilliantly captures all the beloved flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a convenient one-pot format that’s perfect for busy weeknights. By deconstructing the classic dish, you get all the satisfaction without the fuss, making it an ideal addition to your regular meal rotation.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest family members yet nutritionally balanced with protein, vegetables, and whole grains. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, aromatic spices, and melty cheese creates a comforting meal that feels like home.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight solution, meal prep inspiration, or a reliable recipe that everyone at the table will enjoy, this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet delivers on all fronts. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your household.