Hearty Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe: Cozy Flavor in Every Bite

Craving a quick and hearty weeknight pepper skillet that saves you precious cooking time?

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions for busy households.

Colorful bell peppers dance with seasoned ground beef in this one-pan marvel.

Minimal cleanup meets maximum flavor in every delicious bite.

Home cooks appreciate simplified versions of classic comfort dishes that deliver serious satisfaction.

Spices and fresh ingredients combine to create a meal everyone will devour.

Let this skillet become your new go-to dinner superhero that makes mealtime a breeze.

Why Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Is a Family Favorite

• Minimal Prep Magic: Skip the complicated stuffing process and enjoy a delicious one-pan meal that comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and rice, this skillet delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, savory flavors that blend perfectly in this comforting dish that feels like a deconstructed stuffed pepper.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Uses affordable ingredients and requires just one skillet, making it an economical meal that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

Ingredients for Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides protein and richness to the skillet meal.

• Onion, Bell Peppers, Garlic: A classic combination that adds depth, sweetness, and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: These ingredients create a savory and moist base that helps cook the rice and infuse flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and umami depth to the overall taste profile.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: A blend of herbs and spices that enhances the overall flavor of the skillet.

• White Rice or Brown Rice: Serves as the hearty and filling component of the one-pan meal.

• Shredded Cheese: Provides a creamy and melty topping that adds richness.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that brings a fresh and bright element to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle flavor during the cooking process.

How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Protein

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.

Drain any excess grease to keep the dish light and clean.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic oils.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Foundation

• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Stir everything together to combine flavors thoroughly.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Add uncooked rice to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then reduce heat to low.

• White rice: 20-25 minutes
• Brown rice: 35-40 minutes

Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the skillet.

Cover and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until it’s gooey and completely melted.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve the skillet hot and enjoy immediately.

Notes for Perfect Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

• Remove most of the fat after browning beef to keep the dish lighter and prevent greasy texture without losing flavor.
• Mix different colored bell peppers for vibrant presentation and varied nutritional benefits, adding visual appeal to the skillet.
• Check rice moisture during simmering, adding small amounts of broth if needed to prevent burning and ensure perfect tenderness.
• Let cheese melt naturally with residual heat, creating a smooth, even layer without overcooking or making it rubbery.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carbohydrate version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile and texture.

Variations to Try on Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

• Vegetarian Pepper Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Swap rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates. Keep all other ingredients the same for a lighter meal.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Skillet: Add diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for cumin and chili powder. Top with pepper jack cheese and chopped cilantro for extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients like broth and sauces are certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce for safe preparation.

What Goes Well with Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

• – Complement the hearty beef and pepper skillet with a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that matches the dish's rich tomato and meat profile, cutting through the richness while enhancing overall flavor complexity.
• – Create a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette dressing to balance the skillet's warm, savory elements, adding brightness and providing a cool contrast to the hot main course.
• – Whip up a quick cucumber yogurt side dish with fresh herbs like dill or mint, offering a cool, tangy counterpoint that helps lighten the meal's dense protein and rice components.

How to Store Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled skillet to freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Separate into individual portions for easier reheating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or water to prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this skillet recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice before adding it to the skillet?

No, the uncooked rice will cook directly in the skillet with the broth and tomato sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it cooks.

• What if I don't have beef broth?

You can substitute with chicken broth or water with a bit of bouillon powder. The goal is to provide liquid for the rice to cook in and add some extra flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free beef broth and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Unstuffed Pepper Skillet delivers bold flavors in one pan, blending seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and zesty rice. Comfort meets convenience with this quick, satisfying meal you can enjoy without complicated preparation.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or turkey)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 410g) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 can (8 ounces / 227g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Starch and Topping:

• 3/4 cup (140g) uncooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium temperature and sear ground beef until thoroughly browned, fragmenting meat while cooking. Eliminate any surplus fat.
2. Incorporate diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.
3. Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings into the skillet. Mix thoroughly to combine ingredients.
4. Introduce uncooked rice, elevate heat to boiling point, then immediately reduce to low. Cover skillet and allow mixture to simmer, stirring intermittently to prevent rice from adhering to pan bottom.
5. For white rice, cook 20-25 minutes; for brown rice, extend cooking time to 35-40 minutes until rice reaches tender consistency.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese across surface, cover skillet, and let cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat, optionally garnish with fresh parsley, and serve piping hot directly from skillet.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier for those watching their calorie intake.
• Replace beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, more diet-friendly version that still packs great flavor.
• Cook rice separately if you prefer more control over rice texture and want to prevent potential burning or sticking in the skillet.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, nutrient-dense meal that kids might enjoy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg