One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet brings all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the fuss of hollowing out vegetables. It’s a cozy, colorful, and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

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
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping
• Fresh parsley or red chili flakes for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the rice. Have all ingredients ready before you start cooking.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
5. Step 5: Add the rice to the skillet and stir well to coat with the spices and juices.
6. Step 6: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the water or broth. Stir to combine.
7. Step 7: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the rice is tender, about 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Step 8: If using, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top once the rice is cooked. Cover briefly until the cheese melts.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley or red chili flakes before serving for extra flavor and color.

Tips & Variations

• Use broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky, spicy twist.
• For extra veggies, stir in diced zucchini or mushrooms with the bell peppers.
• If you prefer, cooked rice can be stirred in at the end instead of uncooked rice to shorten cooking time.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground meat and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein like beans or lentils. Increase the seasoning and broth for flavor.

Can I use quinoa or another grain instead of rice?

Quinoa or other grains can work, but cooking times and liquid amounts will vary. Adjust accordingly and check package instructions for guidance.

One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 53 reviews

This One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a comforting and easy meal that combines ground beef or turkey with vibrant bell peppers, rice, and a flavorful tomato base. Cooked all in one skillet, it’s a fuss-free dish perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of sautéed aromatics, tender vegetables, and seasoned rice creates a hearty and delicious meal reminiscent of stuffed peppers, without the need to hollow out the peppers.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 3 bell peppers (mixed colors, diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Grains

• 1 cup rice (white or brown)

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup water or broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Toppings

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley or red chili flakes (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients: Dice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the rice so you have everything ready to go before starting to cook.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil, and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Cook the ground meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being greasy.
4. Add the peppers and spices: Stir in the diced bell peppers along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes to soften the peppers slightly and blend flavors.
5. Incorporate the rice and tomato base: Add the rice to the skillet and stir well to coat it with the spices and mix evenly with the meat and peppers. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and then add water or broth to provide the liquid needed for the rice to cook.
6. Simmer and cook the rice: Bring the skillet mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the rice is tender, approximately 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Add optional toppings: Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, sprinkle shredded cheese on top if using. Cover again briefly to allow the cheese to melt.
8. Garnish and serve: Garnish the skillet with fresh parsley or a pinch of red chili flakes for added flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty one pot unstuffed pepper skillet.

Notes

• Brown rice may require a longer cooking time and more liquid; adjust accordingly.
• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add red chili flakes during the cooking process.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a vegetarian version, replace meat with plant-based protein or additional vegetables.

Keywords: one pot, unstuffed peppers, skillet, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, bell peppers, rice skillet, weeknight meal