Table of Contents: Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
A Flavor-Packed Dinner Without the Fuss!
Craving the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but short on time? This Unstuffed Peppers Skillet is your new go-to weeknight hero! Imagine all the deliciousness of classic stuffed peppersβsavory ground beef, tender bell peppers, fluffy rice, and melted cheeseβbut cooked in one pan and ready in 30 minutes flat. No tedious stuffing, no long baking, just a hearty, wholesome meal thatβs as easy as it is delicious.
Fun fact: Did you know that stuffed peppers date back to ancient times, with variations found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines? This unstuffed version keeps the tradition alive while cutting the prep work in half! If you loved our Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats: The Best Low-Carb Taco Twist, youβll adore this dishβitβs just as simple but with a fresh, veggie-packed twist. Ready to dig in? Letβs get cooking!
What is Unstuffed Peppers Skillet?
Ever wondered why we call it βunstuffedβ peppers? Well, itβs basically stuffed peppers that decided to skip the formalities! Instead of carefully packing filling into each pepper, we toss everything into a skillet and let the flavors mingle freely. Think of it as the laid-back cousin of traditional stuffed peppersβequally delicious but way less fussy.
Some say, βthe way to a manβs heart is through his stomach,β but we say the way to everyoneβs heart is through a quick, cheesy, one-pan wonder like this! Whether youβre feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers big flavors with minimal effort. So, why not give it a try tonight?
Why Youβll Love This Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
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All the Flavor, Half the Work β No need to stuff peppers individually. Just sautΓ©, stir, and serve!
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Budget-Friendly & Wholesome β Packed with protein, veggies, and rice, itβs a complete meal in one pan.
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Customizable & Family-Approved β Swap beef for turkey, add extra cheese, or spice it up with jalapeΓ±os.
If you enjoyed our Crockpot Best Beef Chili Recipe (Slow-Cooked Comfort Food Perfected), youβll love this recipeβitβs just as simple but with a colorful, veggie-loaded twist. Ready to make dinner a breeze? Letβs get started!
How to Make Unstuffed Peppers Skillet

Quick Overview
This dish comes together in 30 minutes with simple ingredients: ground beef, bell peppers, rice, tomato sauce, and melty cheese. Itβs a one-pan wonder thatβs hearty, healthy, and totally fuss-free.
Key Ingredients
β 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
β 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
β 1 small onion, diced
β 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
β 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
β 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, salt & pepper
β 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the beef β In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. SautΓ© veggies β Add onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add seasonings & sauce β Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce.
4. Mix in rice β Fold in cooked rice and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Top with cheese β Sprinkle cheese on top, cover until melted, then serve hot!
What to Serve With Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, try:
β A crisp side salad with ranch or balsamic dressing
β Warm garlic bread for dipping
β A refreshing cucumber tomato salad
For more easy skillet meals, check out our Chicken Casserole With Pasta and Broccoli.
Top Tips for Perfecting This Dish
πΉ Use pre-cooked rice to save time (leftover rice works great!).
πΉ Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
πΉ Add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for more nutrients.
πΉ Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like heat.
Storing and Reheating Tips
β Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
β Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw before reheating).
β Reheating: Warm in the microwave or skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist.
People Also Ask: Unstuffed Peppers Skillet

What is in unstuffed pepper skillet?
This dish includes ground beef, bell peppers, onions, rice, tomato sauce, and melted cheeseβall cooked together in one pan for a quick, deconstructed version of stuffed peppers.
Is unstuffed pepper skillet healthy?
Yes! Itβs packed with protein, fiber-rich veggies, and whole grains. For a lighter version, use lean turkey and brown rice.
Can you make unstuffed peppers with ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and works just as well in this recipe.
How do you serve unstuffed pepper skillet?
Serve it hot with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts: Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
This Unstuffed Peppers Skillet is the ultimate weeknight lifesaverβquick, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether youβre cooking for one or feeding a crowd, itβs a guaranteed hit. Donβt forget to check out our Collection for more stress-free dinner ideas!
Now, grab that skillet and letβs get cooking! π½οΈπ₯
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Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers made easy in a one-skillet dinner with ground beef, rice, and bell peppers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers, sautΓ© until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned and crumbled.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked rice and mix well.
- Top with mozzarella cheese, cover skillet, and cook until cheese is melted.
- Serve hot right from the skillet.
Notes
This dish can also be made with ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: unstuffed peppers, skillet, ground beef, one pot