Print

One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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