Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
If you’re craving all the classic comfort and vibrant flavors of stuffed peppers but don’t want to fuss with filling and baking, say hello to the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet! This one-pan meal is exactly what busy weeknights are made for: hearty, colorful, and incredibly satisfying. Packed with tender ground meat, a medley of bell peppers, sweet onions, and a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, every bite delivers those homey, cozy sensations we all love. Plus, with just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll be dishing up the magic of an Unstuffed Pepper Skillet before anyone can ask, “What’s for dinner?”
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms simple, vibrant ingredients into a meal that’s both comforting and full of color. Every component adds something essential—whether it’s heartiness, tang, or a pop of flavor—making the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet an absolute staple for any cook.
- Ground beef or turkey (1 lb): The star of the skillet, providing a hearty, savory base—choose turkey for a lighter spin.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Gives richness and helps brown the meat and veggies perfectly.
- Large onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the dish—yellow or white works great.
- Red bell pepper, diced: Brings a sweet, mild tang and loads up the color.
- Yellow bell pepper, diced: Sweet and sunny, this brightens up both the flavor and look.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Offers classic pepper flavor with a slight bitterness to balance the sweetness.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses aromatic warmth and that irresistible hit of garlic flavor.
- Diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 oz can): Juicy tomatoes keep things saucy and fresh.
- Tomato paste (6 oz can): Concentrates the tomato flavor, making the sauce rich and thick.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Classic Italian herb that gives the skillet an earthy, savory note.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Delivers a gentle sweetness and herby aroma.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle smokiness and a pop of color.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Brings out all the natural flavors—season to taste.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): For just a touch of mellow heat.
- Cooked rice (1 cup): The secret to that stuffed-pepper heartiness—white or brown rice works beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup, optional): Melts into gooey perfection if you love a cheesy finish.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Adds a finishing splash of color and freshness.
How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with the back of a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, about 7–8 minutes—don’t forget to drain off any excess fat, giving you a delicious base without any greasiness.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Peppers
Now add the chopped onion and all those colorful bell peppers straight into the skillet. Let them sizzle together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything softens and the kitchen is filling with the sweet, beckoning aromas of cooked veggies. Those peppers lend a special brightness to every forkful of Unstuffed Pepper Skillet.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Sprinkle in your minced garlic and keep things moving on the stove for just one more minute. The moment you catch that scent wafting up, you’ll know your pepper skillet is about to get irresistibly fragrant!
Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes and Seasoning
Add the drained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well so the sauce becomes rich and evenly distributed through the meat and veggies—it’s the flavor-packed backbone of this cozy dish.
Step 5: Simmer the Skillet
Dial down the heat to low and let the whole skillet bubble gently for about 10 minutes. This time lets the flavors mingle and deepen, transforming simple ingredients into something magical worthy of that Unstuffed Pepper Skillet name.
Step 6: Add Rice
Stir in your cooked rice, making sure it picks up that flavorful sauce and melds with the rest of the skillet. Cook for another 2–3 minutes so everything is piping hot and perfectly combined.
Step 7: Melt Cheese and Serve
If you’re a fan of melty mozzarella, sprinkle it over the top of your skillet and cover with a lid for 2–3 minutes. The cheese will turn irresistibly gooey and golden, making your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet even more comforting. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like, and serve hot straight from the pan!
How to Serve Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the ultimate finishing touch, adding color and a hint of freshness to every serving. You can also top with extra black pepper or a few red chili flakes if you love a bit of heat—it’s all about suiting your taste.
Side Dishes
This dish is wholesome enough to stand alone, but it also loves company! Think a crisp green salad, some warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or even a side of steamed green beans for extra veg. Each pairing rounds out your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet in a different way.
Creative Ways to Present
The Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is playful enough for any occasion: dish it up over a baked potato, stuff it into hollowed-out bread rolls, or even serve in individual ramekins for a party. Leftovers can be used to fill tortillas for a peppery burrito or tossed with pasta for an unexpected twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Unstuffed Pepper Skillet keeps beautifully! Pop cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, and some say the flavors deepen overnight, making for even tastier lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Planning for later? Allow the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best texture, freeze before adding the cheese, then add it fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. The microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop keeps textures at their best—just add cheese at the end and let it melt again.
FAQs
Can I make the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground meat for cooked lentils, plant-based crumbles, or even chopped mushrooms for a veggie-friendly skillet that’s just as hearty.
What’s the best rice to use?
Both white and brown rice work beautifully here—it’s all about the texture and flavor you love. For even quicker prep, use leftover cooked rice or a pouch of ready rice in a pinch.
Is this dish spicy?
The meal is naturally mild and family-friendly, but you can dial up the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño with the peppers if you prefer things spicy.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This skillet actually tastes even better after resting. Prep it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat when you’re ready to eat.
Is Unstuffed Pepper Skillet gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free rice (or even cauliflower rice for low-carb), every ingredient in this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for many dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you need a delicious, fuss-free dinner that brings comfort and color to your table, the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is the answer! I hope it brings as much cheer to your kitchen as it has to mine—don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of your go-to family favorites!
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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal that captures all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the extra work. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Additional:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion and bell peppers to the skillet, cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Rice: Mix in cooked rice and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: If using cheese, sprinkle mozzarella on top, cover, and melt for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use any ground meat for variation.
- For a low-carb option, omit rice or use cauliflower rice.
- This dish is ideal for meal prep and reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the skillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
