Who doesn’t love a dinner that’s quick, delicious, and only requires one pot?
Our One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is here to save your weeknights!
Packed with all the flavors of stuffed peppers – juicy ground beef, tender rice, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory tomato sauce – without the hassle of stuffing them.
This dish is not only easy but also family-friendly and great for meal prep.
Ready to transform your dinner routine?
Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up this delicious one-pot meal:
- Ground beef or turkey: Choose your protein based on your preferences.
- Bell peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green adds vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Tomato-based ingredients: Crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, or tomato paste.
- Seasonings: Garlic, onion, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of red chili flakes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet:
Step 1: Prep the ingredients
- Dice the bell peppers and onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Measure out your rice and have all ingredients ready to go.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add the peppers and spices
- Stir in the diced bell peppers, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes to soften the peppers slightly.
Step 4: Add rice and tomato base
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the spices.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce) and add water or broth as needed to cook the rice.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat. Cook until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Optional toppings
- Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet and let it melt before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chili flakes for an extra touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot convenience: Less cleanup means more time to relax.
- Nutritious and balanced: Packed with protein, veggies, and carbs for a wholesome meal.
- Customizable: Swap out proteins, adjust spices, or use alternative grains like quinoa.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love this comforting dish.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
- Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating:
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until warmed through.
- Freezing:
- Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQ’s
Can I use ground turkey or plant-based meat instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work perfectly in this recipe.
What can I use instead of rice?
Try quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients such as broth and tomato sauce.
One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
The One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a simplified, one-pan version of classic stuffed peppers. Combining ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and a flavorful tomato base, it’s a quick and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and customizable options, it’s a family-friendly dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 3 bell peppers mixed colors, diced
- 1 cup rice white or brown
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water or broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping
Optional:
- fresh parsley or red chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
Prep the ingredients:
- Dice the bell peppers and onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Measure out your rice and have all ingredients ready to go.
Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the peppers and spices:
- Stir in the diced bell peppers, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes to soften the peppers slightly.
Add rice and tomato base:
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the spices.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce) and add water or broth as needed to cook the rice.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat. Cook until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Optional toppings:
- Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet and let it melt before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chili flakes for an extra touch.
This recipe is delicious and easy!
Thank you for the feedback❤️
I love this recipe, it was very easy, love it in one pot.
Very tasty.
Thanks for the feedback! Im so glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve tried this recipe twice and I cannot seem to get the rice to cook. It’s been on a low simmer for close to 40 minutes and the rice is still crunchy. It’s too bad because it smells amazing… but pretty sure it’s destined for the trash.
The first time i made it, i had to keep adding broth after it cooked away because the rice was still under done. Eventually it came together, but definitely took longer than the predicted cook time.