The Zesty Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe Everyone Loves

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack maximum flavor with minimal effort.

This hearty unstuffed pepper skillet recipe delivers a one-pan wonder that combines classic bell pepper goodness with ground beef and rice.

Sauté onions and peppers until they become tender and fragrant, creating a base that promises comfort in every bite.

The dish comes together effortlessly, blending zesty tomato sauce with lean protein and perfectly seasoned ingredients.

Each forkful promises a delightful mix of textures and robust flavors that will satisfy hungry appetites.

You’ll love how this skillet meal transforms traditional stuffed pepper preparation into a streamlined, stress-free cooking experience.

Dig into this crowd-pleasing dinner that brings warmth and excitement to your table in under 30 minutes.

What Goes Into the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

• Ground Beef: A protein-packed ingredient that adds hearty flavor and substance to the skillet dish.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that provide a sweet and crisp texture to the meal.
• Onions: A foundational ingredient that adds depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provides a tangy and rich base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Beef Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the rice and adds additional depth to the dish.

• Garlic, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a well-rounded and delicious flavor combination.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and prevents sticking while adding a subtle richness.

• Instant Rice: A quick-cooking grain that absorbs the flavors of the dish and provides a satisfying base.

Skillet Tools for Pepper Lovers

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing and cooking all ingredients together.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Knife: Needed for chopping peppers, onions, and garlic.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add seasonings.
• Measuring cup: Used for measuring beef broth and rice.
• Colander or strainer: Great for draining excess grease from beef.

Making Unstuffed Pepper Skillet at Home

Step 1: Sizzle Vegetables and Beef

Grab a large skillet and drizzle in some olive oil over medium-high heat.

• Diced bell peppers
• Chopped onions

Swirl them around in the oil and let them dance for 5 minutes.

Add ground beef and cook until it’s completely brown.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30-45 seconds.

Pour out any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 2: Spice Up the Flavor

• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together so each bite gets a burst of deliciousness.

Step 3: Create One-Pot Magic

• Diced tomatoes (drained)
• Tomato sauce
• Instant rice
• Beef broth

Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

Then lower the flame, cover the skillet, and let it simmer.

Wait until the rice soaks up all those incredible flavors and becomes perfectly tender.

Your meal is ready to devour!

Skillet Tips for Perfect Peppers

• Remove excess grease completely to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a lighter, cleaner taste.
• Follow package instructions precisely for rice liquid measurement to achieve perfect texture without mushy or dry results.
• Experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor profile and add personal flair.
• Keep heat low and cover skillet during rice cooking to lock in moisture and develop rich, integrated flavors.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and protein-packed.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Flavor Spins

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Variation: Replace instant rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly and lower-carb alternative that keeps the same delicious flavor profile.
• Turkey Swap Variation: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option that maintains the hearty skillet meal's core characteristics.
• Vegetarian Bean Blend Variation: Remove ground meat entirely and use black beans or lentils as a protein-packed replacement, keeping the pepper and tomato base intact.
• Spicy Southwest Remix Variation: Add diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and sprinkle in some cumin to create a zesty southwestern-style skillet meal with a kick of heat.

Serving Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Hot

• Rustic Family Feast: Perfect for casual weeknight dinners with loved ones.
• Hearty Lunch Companion: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a satisfying midday meal that keeps you full and energized.
• Game Day Champion: Serve in small bowls with tortilla chips or crusty bread for a crowd-pleasing game day spread that everyone will devour.
• One-Pot Wonder Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the dish's visual appeal and add extra flavor layers.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Storage Solutions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The skillet dish stays fresh and maintains its delicious flavors.
• Transfer cooled skillet contents to freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the container.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a perfect lean protein substitute that works well in this skillet recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

No, the instant rice will cook directly in the skillet with the broth and other ingredients, absorbing all the delicious flavors while becoming tender.

• How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild, but you can easily add heat by including some red pepper flakes or using a spicier tomato sauce if you prefer a kick. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free instant rice and verify that your broth and tomato sauce are gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to be certain.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Big Draws

• Whip up this delicious unstuffed pepper skillet in just one pan, saving you precious cleanup time and delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding different spices, or tossing in extra veggies to match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Create a hearty, satisfying meal using affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and basic pantry seasonings that won't break the bank but still taste incredible.
• Kids and adults alike will love this simple, tasty dish that packs vegetables and protein into a single skillet, making mealtime a breeze for busy households.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting unstuffed pepper skillet delivers classic flavors without complex preparation. Hearty ground beef, bell peppers, and rice combine effortlessly in one pan for you to enjoy a quick, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins & Produce:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Pantry Items:

• 2 cups instant white rice
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Beef broth (regular, not low sodium – according to rice package directions)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by heating olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce diced bell peppers and onions, ensuring they’re evenly coated with oil. Allow vegetables to soften and develop slight caramelization for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate ground beef into the vegetable mixture, breaking it apart and cooking until completely browned. Add minced garlic during the final 30-45 seconds of meat cooking. Eliminate excess fat by draining the skillet.
3. Enhance the protein and vegetable blend with aromatic seasonings: sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly mix to distribute flavors uniformly.
4. Create the liquid base by adding diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, instant rice, and beef broth. Follow precise rice package instructions for liquid quantity.
5. Elevate heat to bring the entire mixture to a robust boil. Immediately reduce temperature to low, cover the skillet, and allow contents to gently simmer. Continue cooking until rice reaches perfect tenderness and absorbs all surrounding liquids, approximately 15-20 minutes.
6. Once rice is fully cooked and liquid is completely absorbed, remove from heat. Let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.

Notes

• Create a Non-Stick Surface: Ensure your skillet is well-seasoned or use a non-stick pan to prevent ingredients from burning or sticking during cooking.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust seasonings based on personal preference by adding more or less of each spice, or include red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Make It Low-Carb: Swap instant rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content and make the dish more keto-friendly.
• Boost Nutrition: Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or diced carrots to increase the dish’s nutritional value and add more color and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg