Name: Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds ground beef; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; ½ yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes, drained; 15 oz can tomato sauce; 2 cups instant white rice; Beef broth (salted), as needed for cooking rice

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Unstuffed Pepper Skillet combines the best parts of stuffed peppers—juicy ground beef, flavorful bell peppers, and seasoned rice—without the hassle of stuffing and baking. It’s an all-in-one skillet meal that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can customize it to suit your tastes, from adding extra veggies to using different meats or rice options.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet:

1½ pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes, drained
15 oz can tomato sauce
2 cups instant white rice
Beef broth (salted), as needed for cooking rice (check your rice package for the amount)

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

Directions

Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced green and red bell peppers along with the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes slightly translucent.
Brown the Beef: Push the veggies to the sides of the skillet and add the ground beef to the center. Cook the beef until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once there’s no pink left, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant.
Season Everything: Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the beef and veggies evenly with the seasonings.
Combine the Rest: Add the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and instant rice. Pour in enough beef broth to match your rice package’s instructions (usually about 2 cups for every 1 cup of instant rice). Stir everything together well.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 5–10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Fluff the mixture with a fork and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. The preparation time is around 5 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes, so the total time to make this meal is about 30 minutes.

Variations

This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is easily customizable! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Meat Options: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Cheese: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end, or top with cheese and let it melt before serving.
Low-Carb/Keto: Substitute cauliflower rice for the instant rice.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, corn, or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
Spicy Kick: Spice it up with red pepper flakes, chili powder, or use spicy diced tomatoes.

Cooking Note: If using regular white or brown rice, be sure to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid as needed.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the mixture. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes! While the recipe calls for instant white rice, you can substitute regular white or brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid needed, as regular rice takes longer to cook.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for longer storage.

3. What can I serve with this dish?

This meal pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. You could also serve it with some warm dinner rolls.

4. Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or use spicy diced tomatoes to turn up the heat. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños for extra spice.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to boost the nutrition and flavor of the dish.

7. How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Keep an eye on the rice while it simmers. If using instant rice, it cooks quickly, so ensure you don’t overcook it. If using regular rice, adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure the liquid ratio is correct.

8. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, omit the ground beef and substitute with plant-based meat or extra beans, like black beans or kidney beans, for protein.

9. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in place of canned diced tomatoes. Just chop them finely and be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as fresh tomatoes may release more liquid.

10. How do I store leftover Unstuffed Pepper Skillet?

Store leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for a convenient meal later on.

Conclusion

This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a quick, delicious, and versatile meal that the whole family will love. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, it’s the perfect dinner for busy nights. The hearty combination of ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and tomato sauce creates a savory and satisfying dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s easy to store and reheat for later, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers flavor and convenience in every bite.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe