One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a hearty, flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers—without all the work. This easy skillet meal features ground meat, bell peppers, rice, and seasonings, all simmered together in one pan for a satisfying and wholesome dinner with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers but is much quicker and easier to prepare. Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time and dishes. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.

ingredients

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

• Ground beef or ground turkey
• Olive oil
• Bell peppers (any color), diced
• Yellow onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Diced tomatoes (canned)
• Tomato sauce
• Uncooked white or brown rice
• Beef or chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and bell peppers, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Once rice is cooked, uncover and sprinkle with shredded cheese if using. Let it melt before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use quinoa instead of rice for a protein-rich alternative.
• Try ground chicken or vegetarian crumbles for a lighter or meatless option.
• Add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables.
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
• Top with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the rice has absorbed too much liquid. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice?

Yes, reduce the broth to ½ cup and simmer for a shorter time since the rice won’t need to cook fully.

What type of rice works best?

Long grain white or brown rice both work well. Adjust cooking time if using brown rice.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, just skip the cheese topping or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking?

Stir occasionally and keep the heat on low to ensure the rice cooks evenly without burning.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge and reheat when ready.

Can I use cauliflower rice?

Yes, but reduce liquid and cook time. Add cauliflower rice after the meat is browned and cook until tender.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu and vegetable broth.

What can I serve with it?

This is a complete meal on its own, but a side salad or crusty bread pairs well.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely—it’s mildly seasoned and loaded with familiar ingredients like rice, meat, and cheese.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a large enough skillet or Dutch oven and adjust cooking time slightly.

Conclusion

One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that captures the essence of stuffed peppers without the extra work. With simple ingredients and just one pan, it’s a go-to recipe for busy nights, leftovers, and satisfying family dinners.

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