Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe

There are days when the thought of cooking a complex dinner feels overwhelming. Between work, school, errands, and everything in between, you want a meal that’s quick, easy, and delicious. That’s where the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet comes in. This dish offers all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing and baking individual peppers. In just under 40 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prep enthusiast, or someone who simply loves a good home-cooked dish, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.

What Is an Unstuffed Pepper Skillet?

A New Twist on a Classic Dish

An Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is exactly what it sounds like—everything you love about stuffed peppers but simplified into a one-pan meal. You get the perfect blend of bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and seasoning, all cooked together in one skillet. Unlike traditional stuffed peppers, which require you to carefully stuff each pepper and bake them, this dish brings everything into a single pan, cutting down on prep time and cleanup.

Why It’s So Popular

This recipe has become increasingly popular due to its simplicity and the fact that it’s easily customizable. Whether you prefer ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based meat, this dish can accommodate it all. It’s also a fantastic meal for busy nights, as it only takes about 35 minutes to make from start to finish.

• Minimal Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you won’t have to spend your evening chopping and dicing for hours.
• One-Pan Wonder: No need to wash multiple pots and pans—everything is cooked together in one skillet.
• Versatile: Customize the recipe based on your dietary preferences. You can swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or choose a different protein to make it vegan-friendly.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Ingredients

Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients

This recipe calls for a variety of ingredients that come together to create a balanced, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bell Peppers: A mix of red, orange, and green bell peppers adds vibrant color and a hint of sweetness. These peppers provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, making them a nutritious base for the dish.
• Ground Beef or Alternative Meat: Ground beef is the traditional choice, but you can swap it for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat if you prefer. Each option brings its own flavor and texture, so choose the one that best suits your taste.
• Rice: The rice is the key to making this dish hearty. Uncooked long-grain white rice, like jasmine rice, works best because it absorbs all the flavors while cooking.
• Seasonings and Spices: A combination of Italian seasoning, Cajun spices, garlic and herb blend, and black pepper give this dish a bold, savory flavor. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste, making it as mild or spicy as you like.
• Cheese: Half sharp cheddar and half pepper jack cheese are sprinkled over the skillet at the end, providing a melty, creamy topping that ties everything together.
• Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: These ingredients bring acidity and richness to balance out the sweetness of the peppers.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, prep your ingredients:

• Chop the Bell Peppers and Onion: Dice the peppers into bite-sized pieces and the onion into small chunks.
• Mince the Garlic: This will infuse the dish with an aromatic base flavor.
• Measure the Rice: You’ll need 1 cup of uncooked rice for this recipe. Make sure to have it ready to go when it’s time to add it to the pan.
• Prepare the Broth: For the best flavor, use beef broth or make your own broth using beef bouillon and water. The broth will help cook the rice and bring all the ingredients together.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Now that you’ve gathered everything you need, it’s time to start cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and develop a light caramelization.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Meat

Once the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. Then, add 1 pound of ground beef (or your chosen protein). Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Season the Dish

Sprinkle in your seasonings—garlic and herb blend, Slap Your Mama Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure that the meat and vegetables are evenly coated in the spices. This is where the dish really starts to come to life with rich, savory flavors.

Step 4: Stir in Tomato Paste and Tomatoes

Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the uncooked rice. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Next, add the beef bouillon (or broth) and 2 cups of water to the skillet. Mix well, and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid and cook to perfection.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Garnish

After the rice has cooked and absorbed the liquid, remove the lid and give the mixture a good stir. Evenly sprinkle the cheese over the top, then cover the skillet again. Let the cheese melt and become bubbly. Once the cheese has melted, sprinkle with dried parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.

Health Benefits of This One-Pan Meal

The Unstuffed Pepper Skillet isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the health benefits:

Nutritious and Balanced

• Protein: The ground beef (or your choice of protein) provides a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Vitamins and Antioxidants: Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and supports healthy skin. They also contain antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.
• Carbohydrates: Rice provides complex carbohydrates that fuel your body and keep you full for longer periods.

Customization for Special Diets

One of the best things about the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is its versatility. Here are some ways to modify the recipe for specific dietary needs:

• Low-Carb Option: If you’re looking to cut carbs, you can substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a protein replacement.
• Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Each type of meat will bring a slightly different flavor, so choose what suits your taste or dietary preference.

Can I Make the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal prepping, as the flavors only get better as they sit.

What Can I Serve With This Skillet?

Pair this dish with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

Can I Freeze This Meal?

Yes, you can freeze the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and reheat it thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Conclusion

The Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is the perfect answer to those nights when you need a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s both hearty and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this one-pan recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this comforting meal.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe

Make this easy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet in just one pan! A quick stovetop recipe with ground beef, peppers, and classic stuffed pepper flavors.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 428 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3 Bell Peppers any color, chopped I used red, orange and green
• 1 Yellow Onion Diced
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Potatoes Slayer from Fire & Smoke Society or your preferred veggie spice blend
• 5-6 Garlic Cloves minced
• 1 lb Ground Beef or any type of ground meat that you like

Seasonings

• Dash garlic and herb seasoning blend Slap Your Mama Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, black pepper approximately 1/2 tsp of each ( Or you can use any combination of seasonings that you like)
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 14.5 oz Can of Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Cup Uncooked Long Grain White Rice I used jasmine rice
• 1 tbsp Beef Bouillon + 2 Cups water or 2 cups of beef broth
• 2 Cups Cheese I used half sharp cheddar and half pepper jack
• Dried Parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped peppers and onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning and allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
• Sprinkle in the seasonings. Mix everything well to ensure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
• Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, beef bouillon (or broth), and water. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to combine.
• Increase the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
• After the rice is cooked, give the mixture a good stir to combine. Evenly sprinkle the cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet again, allowing the cheese to melt for a few minutes.
• Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the lid and sprinkle with dry parsley for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Keyword Unstuffed Pepper Skillet