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.