Unstuffed Peppers Skillet is a simple, one-pan dish that brings all the delicious flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that combines tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, rice, and a melty layer of cheese—all cooked together in a skillet for an easy and satisfying dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or want to meal prep for the week ahead, this dish offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unstuffed Peppers Skillet is a weeknight lifesaver. It delivers all the savory, comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time. The dish is packed with protein, vegetables, and a deliciously cheesy finish. It’s also customizable, so you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
1 medium onion, diced
3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the cooked rice and diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to warm through.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Rice Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or couscous in place of regular rice for a different texture or lower-carb option.
Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicier version.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, to make it a vegetarian-friendly dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, adding a bit of water if necessary to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the oven by covering it with foil and warming at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Unstuffed Peppers Skillet

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the skillet.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheese. Store it in the fridge and add the cheese when you’re ready to serve. You can also reheat it in the skillet with the cheese on top.

3. Can I use ground beef alternatives like ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work just as well in this recipe and are a great leaner option.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the spice level.

5. Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers, though fresh peppers will give the dish a slightly better texture. Just make sure to thaw and drain the peppers before cooking.

6. What other vegetables can I add to the skillet?

You can add zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or spinach for extra veggies and flavor. Just make sure to cook them until tender.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the skillet or microwave.

8. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, for a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add beans like black beans or kidney beans for protein. You can also add extra vegetables for more texture.

9. What kind of cheese is best for this dish?

Cheddar and mozzarella are great choices, but you can also try a blend of your favorite cheeses or experiment with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a more flavorful twist.

10. How do I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, simply omit the cheese and use dairy-free cheese or avocado as a topping.

Conclusion

Unstuffed Peppers Skillet is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings all the goodness of stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time. With its one-pan simplicity, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a meal prep favorite. You can customize it to suit your dietary preferences and enjoy a comforting dish that the whole family will love.