Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is the perfect answer for busy families who want all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the extra work.

This easy one-pan meal brings together ground beef, bell peppers, tomato sauce, rice, and melted cheese in a simple, hearty dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

It combines everything people love about stuffed peppers into a quick skillet meal.

This makes it a popular choice for weeknights.

With minimal prep, fresh veggies, and a short cook time, Unstuffed Pepper Skillet saves time while still delivering on taste and nutrition.

The mix of ground meat, peppers, rice, and sauce means there’s something for everyone.

For more details on ingredients and preparation, check out this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet recipe.

Why You Will Love Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is an easy weeknight meal that’s simple to make and satisfying to eat.

It comes together in one pan, which also means less time spent washing dishes.

This one-pot meal includes all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers—meaty ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and tomato—without the fuss of stuffing and baking each pepper.

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

Swap the rice for cauliflower rice if you want a lighter or low-carb option.

A list of what makes this dish special:

• Quick prep and clean-up
• Customizable with your favorite proteins or grains
• Suitable for picky eaters

The cheesy unstuffed pepper skillet version adds a layer of melty cheese on top.

Each bite becomes creamy and comforting.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet also stores well and reheats easily.

This makes it great for leftovers or meal prep.

How To Make Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

This dish is easy to prepare and brings together classic flavors with less effort.

With simple ingredients and a single large skillet, anyone can have dinner ready fast.

Ingredients

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet uses simple, everyday ingredients.

Cooked lean ground beef delivers protein and flavor.

Fresh vegetables like green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and chopped yellow onion give color and crunch.

White rice soaks up savory juices.

Petite diced tomatoes and tomato sauce add depth.

Seasonings matter.

Use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to bring out the best in each bite.

Olive oil starts the cooking, and beef broth keeps everything moist while helping the rice cook evenly.

Chicken broth works if beef broth is not available.

Typical ingredient list:

Ingredient	Amount
Lean ground beef	1 ½ pounds
Green bell pepper	1, diced
Red bell pepper	1, diced
Yellow onion	½, diced
Olive oil	1 tablespoon
Minced garlic	1 tablespoon
Petite diced tomatoes	14.5 oz (drained)
Tomato sauce	15 oz
Instant white rice	2 cups
Beef broth	As needed
Italian seasoning	1 teaspoon
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Salt & black pepper	To taste

Instruments

A large skillet holds all the ingredients.

Non-stick or stainless steel both work well.

Use a sharp knife to dice the bell peppers and onion.

A cutting board gives a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing the garlic.

A wooden spoon or spatula helps stir the mixture and prevents sticking.

Keep a measuring cup ready for rice and liquids.

A can opener may be needed for tomato products.

Using a lid for the skillet helps the rice steam and cook through more evenly.

Step By Step Instruction

Heat olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add diced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and yellow onion.

Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet.

Cook until no pink remains, breaking it into small pieces with the spoon.

Once browned, stir in minced garlic and cook for under a minute.

Drain any extra grease.

Season the mixture with onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Add the drained petite diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.

Pour in the instant white rice and beef broth, using enough liquid based on the package instructions for your rice.

Stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat to low and cover.

Let it simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Check and stir a couple of times to prevent sticking.

The skillet is ready to serve when everything is hot, thickened, and bubbly.

For more details, see this step-by-step pepper skillet guide.

Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, use a mix of bell peppers.

Green peppers give a slight bitterness, while red, yellow, and orange are sweeter.

This adds nice color to the dish.

Fresh vs. Instant Rice:
Instant rice cooks faster and is great for a quick meal.

If using regular rice, adjust the amount of broth and cooking time according to the rice package instructions.

Prevent sticking by stirring the skillet a few times while it simmers.

This keeps the rice from burning at the bottom and ensures even cooking.

Cheese lovers can sprinkle shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, over the skillet right before serving.

Cover with a lid for a minute to let the cheese melt.

A small table of optional toppings:

Topping	How to Use
Sour Cream	Add a spoonful on top
Shredded Cheese	Melt on the hot skillet
Hot Sauce	Splash for extra flavor
Fresh Herbs	Sprinkle, like parsley

Use regular beef broth and season to taste.

Reduced sodium broths often need more salt for the flavors to pop.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to four days.

This dish also freezes nicely—just let it cool before sealing in a freezer container.

Customize by swapping ground beef for turkey or sausage.

You can also use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb twist.

See more recipe ideas and options for unstuffed pepper skillet at Cooking with Katie Cross (https://cookingwithkatiecross.com/unstuffed-pepper-skillet/).

Ingredient Substitute

Many ingredients in an unstuffed pepper skillet can be swapped to suit different diets or pantry supplies.

Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.

For a vegetarian version, use faux ground beef crumbles or lentils.

White jasmine rice can be replaced with brown rice for more fiber.

If a fast option is needed, use minute rice but adjust cooking time.

Cauliflower rice is popular for low carb diets, but it can make the skillet watery and doesn’t soak up liquid like regular rice.

Here are common swaps in a handy table:

Original	Substitute
Ground beef	Ground turkey, chicken
White rice	Brown rice, minute rice
Chicken broth	Vegetable broth
Mozzarella cheese	Cheddar, Monterey Jack
Yellow onion	Red or white onion

For extra flavor, use fresh or dried garlic.

Red pepper flakes can replace black pepper for a little heat.

If Italian seasoning is missing, mix equal parts dried basil and oregano.

Fresh parsley on top is nice, but dried parsley will work too.

Switch up the bell peppers by using any color available.

Red peppers are sweeter, but green and yellow add their own subtle flavor.

Find more ingredient tips and a full recipe at this unstuffed peppers skillet guide.

What To Serve With Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is already filling, but a few simple sides or toppings can make dinner more exciting.

A crisp green salad with a light olive oil and lemon dressing keeps the meal fresh and bright.

Adding sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or carrots gives nice extra crunch.

Warm, crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

For a gluten-free option, roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes on the side work well.

For toppings, shredded cheddar cheese melts nicely and adds another layer of flavor.

A spoonful of sour cream gives a creamy and tangy finish, especially if the dish has a bit of spice.

Those who like heat can drizzle a little hot sauce on top or set out a bottle for guests to add to taste.

Below is a quick look at popular add-ons:

Topping	Why Try It?
Cheddar Cheese	Extra cheesy flavor
Sour Cream	Creamy and refreshing
Hot Sauce	Adds a spicy kick

For extra veggies, simple roasted zucchini, green beans, or Brussels sprouts pair easily with the skillet.

A few tortilla chips or pita chips on the side add a fun crunch for scooping bites of the skillet mixture.

With these sides and toppings, it’s easy to adjust the meal for any taste or occasion.

For more pairing ideas, visit this Whole30-friendly Unstuffed Pepper Skillet guide.

How To Store Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Leftovers keep well and make tasty lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Let the unstuffed pepper skillet cool before putting it away.

For meal prep or short-term storage, use an airtight container and refrigerate.

It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Keep different toppings like cheese and avocado separate, then add those right before reheating and serving.

If freezing, transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe, airtight container.

The skillet can be frozen for up to 4 months.

To use later, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave, stirring halfway through.

Here is a simple reference for storing:

Storage Method	Container Type	How Long It Lasts
Refrigerator	Airtight container	3–4 days
Freezer	Freezer-safe container	up to 4 months

Nutrition Fact In List Form

Here are key nutrition facts for a typical Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (per serving):

• Calories: About 230–250
• Protein: 18–22 grams
• Total Fat: 7–10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 26–30 grams
• Fiber: 3–4 grams
• Sugar: 6–7 grams
• Iron: 2–2.5 mg (about 10–14% of daily needs)
• Potassium: 550–700 mg

Macronutrients

The Unstuffed Pepper Skillet gives you a good mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Ground beef or turkey adds protein, which helps keep muscles healthy.

Vitamins and Minerals

Bell peppers and tomatoes supply vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. Potassium supports heart health and fluid balance.

Iron Content

This dish provides about 2–2.5 mg of iron per serving. Lean beef or turkey increases the iron, which helps your body stay energized.

Carbohydrate Breakdown

Rice and vegetables provide the main source of carbohydrates. Each serving has about 26–30 grams of carbs.

For more nutrition details on different variations, check the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet recipe nutrition info.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unstuffed pepper skillet is a flexible dish and easy to adapt for many diets and tastes. You can make it quickly with simple steps and pantry ingredients.

What ingredients are essential for making an unstuffed pepper skillet?

You need ground beef, bell peppers, onions, rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Most recipes also use garlic and spices like Italian seasoning and paprika.

Cheese is often added at the end for a creamy finish.

How can I modify an unstuffed pepper skillet recipe to be low-carb or keto-friendly?

Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for fewer carbs. Choose a tomato sauce without added sugar.

Lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken keeps the dish light. These swaps help you enjoy the flavors with fewer carbs.

For more substitutions, see this low-carb unstuffed pepper skillet guide.

What are the steps to prepare an unstuffed pepper skillet with ground beef?

Start by sautéing onion and bell peppers in olive oil. Add garlic, then brown the ground beef until cooked.

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Add cooked rice and mix well.

Cook for a few more minutes, then top with cheese and cover until melted.

Could you suggest substitutes for rice in an unstuffed pepper skillet recipe?

Cauliflower rice is a popular low-carb option. Quinoa adds extra protein and fiber.

Try chopped cooked potatoes or small pasta shapes for variety. Each option changes the texture and nutrition.

Where can I find a simple unstuffed pepper casserole recipe for beginners?

You can find an easy recipe on My Homemade Recipe. The instructions are clear and simple, making it a good choice for beginners.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of unstuffed pepper skillet, and if so, how?

Swap the meat for lentils, black beans, or plant-based crumbles. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same.

Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth if the recipe calls for broth. This simple change makes the dish vegetarian friendly.