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Easy Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
If you love stuffed peppers but dread the prep, this unstuffed peppers recipe is your new weeknight hero. All the flavors you crave—savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, tender rice, and tangy tomato sauce—come together in one skillet. No hollowing, no stuffing, no fuss. In just 35 minutes, you have a hearty, family-friendly dinner that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s the ultimate deconstructed comfort food, perfect for busy evenings when you need something satisfying without the extra work. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Dinner
Easy
Easy Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
This unstuffed peppers recipe turns classic stuffed peppers into a quick, one-pan skillet meal. Tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice simmer in a rich tomato sauce for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
4
💡 Chef Tip
For extra flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of plain tomato sauce, or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce while browning the beef.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving
Calories
420 kcal
Protein
28 g
Carbs
35 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
3 g
Sugar
6 g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Instructions
1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3
Stir in diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4
Add minced garlic and diced bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until peppers start to soften.
5
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
6
Pour in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
8
Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let stand for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
9
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve directly from the skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken work just as well. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil since poultry is leaner.
Yes. The dish stores well and tastes even better the next day. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Make sure you simmer the skillet covered for the full cooking time and avoid lifting the lid too often. If after 18 minutes the rice is still firm, add a couple of tablespoons of broth and steam for a few more minutes.
Yes. Cool the unstuffed peppers completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, as long as your beef broth is certified gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
All the fresh ingredients needed for this easy unstuffed peppers recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✓ One-pan meal
✓ Ready in 35 minutes
✓ No stuffing required
✓ Family-friendly comfort food
✓ Easy cleanup
Equipment Needed
🧰 Large skillet with lid (cast iron preferred)
🧰 Measuring cups and spoons
🧰 Wooden spoon or spatula
🧰 Chef’s knife and cutting board
Recipe Notes
- Short-grain brown rice can be used, but adjust cooking time and liquid as needed.
- For a lower-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice and add at the end of cooking just to heat through.
🧊 Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of broth.
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
You can dice the onion, peppers, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. The entire dish can be made ahead and reheated; the flavors blend even more overnight.
🍴 Kitchen Picks
Helpful tools that make this recipe easier and more enjoyable.
Lodge 12-Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Ideal for one-pan unstuffed peppers on stovetop or in oven.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker
Perfect for quick and easy one-pot unstuffed peppers with pressure or slow cooking.
Pyrex Essentials 3-Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set
Essential for accurately measuring rice, broth, and tomato sauce for the recipe.
Serve the unstuffed peppers recipe in bowls for a cozy family dinner.
📋 Recipe Summary
⏱️
35 Min
35 Min
👨🍳
Easy
Easy
🍽️
4 Servings
4 Servings
🔥
420 kcal
420 kcal
- ✓ One-pan meal
- ✓ Ready in 35 minutes
- ✓ No stuffing required
- ✓ Family-friendly comfort food
- ✓ Easy cleanup
This unstuffed peppers recipe delivers everything you love about the classic dish with half the effort. It’s proof that simple ingredients and smart techniques can create an incredibly flavorful meal. Serve it straight from the skillet with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs, and watch it disappear. Whether you’re meal prepping lunches or feeding a hungry crowd, this one-pan wonder will become a regular in your rotation. For a delicious side, pair it with our Easy Chicken Chili Verde for a festive fiesta spread.
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