If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s as colorful as it is comforting, Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is about to become your new favorite go-to. All the traditional flavors of classic stuffed peppers—savory beef, tender peppers, tangy tomatoes, and fluffy rice—come together in one skillet, minus all the fuss. This one-pan wonder offers the homey, nostalgic taste you crave, whipped up in a fraction of the time, with easy cleanup and plenty of room for your own creative twists.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet uses a handful of simple, honest ingredients, each adding an essential piece to the puzzle—juicy bites, vibrant colors, and that irresistible, just-one-more-spoonful flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters for ultimate skillet success!

Ground Beef (1 pound): Lean ground beef provides hearty, classic flavor and crumbles easily, soaking up all those delicious spices.
Bell Peppers (2–3, any color, diced): The heart of the dish! Use a mix for a rainbow of flavors and irresistible pops of sweetness.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Brings mellow sweetness and extra savory depth to the skillet.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just the right amount of garlicky aroma to perk up every bite.
Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Juicy tomatoes add tang and help create a flavorful sauce as everything simmers together.
Tomato Sauce (1 cup): Binds the filling and adds comforting richness to the base.
Cooked Rice (1 cup): Stirred in at the end, rice gives this skillet a filling, fork-tender finish while absorbing all those juices.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Delivers instant herby warmth—dried oregano, basil, and thyme are perfect if you want to make your own blend.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): These essentials sharpen every flavor—never underestimate a good seasoning.
Shredded Cheese (1 cup, optional): While not traditional in classic stuffed peppers, a sprinkle of cheddar or mozzarella melts into gooey, irresistible goodness.

How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Once the beef just begins to brown, toss in the onions and bell peppers. Sauté everything together until the beef is fully cooked and the veggies are softened and fragrant. This first step is where the magic begins—the flavors mingle right from the start, giving your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet its signature taste.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Next, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Let them toast just until the kitchen is filled with the scent of savory herbs and garlic. This only takes about a minute, but it’s absolutely essential for infusing the entire dish with warmth and depth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper here—layering flavors is key!

Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce

Pour in both the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble away uncovered for about 5–7 minutes. This thickens the sauce and softens any lingering crunch in the peppers, melding all the ingredients beautifully.

Step 4: Mix in Cooked Rice

Stir in your cooked rice until the mixture is thoroughly combined and the rice is evenly dispersed throughout the skillet. Let it all cook together for another couple of minutes so the rice soaks up as much of that tomatoey goodness as possible. Now your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is starting to look—and smell—seriously irresistible!

Step 5: Top with Cheese (Optional) and Serve

If you’re craving a melty, gooey finish, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the surface of the skillet. Cover just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy every bite—it’s all the flavors you love in classic stuffed peppers, but even more approachable and satisfying in skillet form!

How to Serve Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Garnishes

Add a flourish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, basil, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Snipped green onions or a dollop of sour cream bring a fresh, tangy lift that balances the savory depth of the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet can absolutely stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, some garlic bread, or a simple roasted veggie medley takes things up a notch. The freshness of greens or the crunch of a baguette provides great contrast to the savory skillet, making it a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping your skillet mixture into halved roasted bell peppers for a clever nod to the dish’s roots! You can also use the filling to stuff baked potatoes or serve it over zucchini noodles for a lower-carb twist. Think of the skillet as a starting point for endless dinnertime creativity—don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making Unstuffed Pepper Skillet a fantastic meal prep option for busy lunches and dinners.

Freezing

Yes, you absolutely can freeze Unstuffed Pepper Skillet! Spoon the cooled mixture into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and lay them flat in the freezer for easy stacking. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. A quick sprinkle of fresh cheese or herbs will have your leftovers tasting as delicious as day one.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both great lean options that work beautifully in Unstuffed Pepper Skillet. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor since these meats are milder than beef.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely—just swap out the ground meat for plant-based crumbles, lentils, or even extra rice and diced mushrooms. All the savory flavors will still shine, and you’ll have a satisfying, protein-packed vegetarian skillet in no time.

What kind of rice works best?

Leftover plain white rice is perfect, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice work well too! Just be sure whatever rice you use is fully cooked before adding it to the skillet, so you don’t end up with anything chewy.

How do I keep the peppers from getting mushy?

If you crave more pepper crunch, add them a bit later in the cooking process. Just sauté until they’re beginning to soften, but still bright and vibrant—this way, they’ll maintain more bite even after simmering in the sauce.

Can I make Unstuffed Pepper Skillet ahead of time?

You bet! This dish is just as tasty reheated as it is fresh. Prep the whole skillet up to a day ahead, stash it in the fridge, and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve—a real lifesaver on busy nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the cozy, classic flavors of stuffed peppers but want dinner on the table with minimal effort, give Unstuffed Pepper Skillet a try. It’s comforting, endlessly customizable, and always hits the spot. Once you taste it, I have a feeling this skillet will earn a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation, too!