Quick & Zesty Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe for Busy Nights

Craving a hassle-free twist on traditional stuffed pepper skillet?

This one-pan wonder delivers all the robust flavors without the complicated prep work.

Peppers, ground beef, and rice mingle together in a delightful culinary dance that simplifies dinner.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together after a long day.

Hearty ingredients create a satisfying experience that feels like comfort food with a modern spin.

Rich tomato sauce binds everything into a mouthwatering ensemble that screams home-cooked goodness.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and savory seasonings.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet That Saves Time Without Skipping Flavor

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this one-pan wonder in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like ground beef, rice, and colorful bell peppers, this skillet creates a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using a single skillet means less washing up, saving precious time and energy after a long day of cooking and cleaning.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Combines affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned tomatoes to create a hearty meal that won't break the bank while still satisfying hungry appetites.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the skillet meal.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and crunch to the dish.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the skillet.

• Instant Rice: Quick-cooking grain that absorbs flavors and makes the dish filling.
• Petite Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy tomato flavor to the skillet.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich base for the entire dish.
• Beef Broth: Enhances overall flavor and helps cook the rice.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.
• Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic flavor to the skillet.
• Onion Powder: Adds concentrated onion flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic seasoning.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal complexity to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances all other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the seasoning.

One-Pan Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Plan

Step 1: Fire Up The Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in diced bell peppers and onions, stirring to coat them with oil.

Let them dance and sizzle for about 5 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet and cook until it loses all traces of pink.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 3: Season Like A Pro

Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Build The Flavor Base

• Petite diced tomatoes (drained)
• Tomato sauce
• Instant rice
• Beef broth

Follow the rice package instructions for liquid proportions.

Step 5: Simmer To Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 6: Serve And Devour

Dish out the skillet directly to the table and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Skillet Tips for Unstuffed Pepper Simplicity

• Adjust spiciness by adding red pepper flakes or using different pepper varieties like jalapeños for extra kick.
• Prepare this skillet in advance and store in airtight containers for easy lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
• Swap instant rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or quinoa for added protein and nutrients.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack on top just before serving for a creamy, melted finish.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to reduce cost and experiment with different flavors.

Reheat Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Maintain freshness by placing the skillet mixture in a sealed container with a tight lid.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Reheat in microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure consistent temperature throughout the dish.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Accompaniments

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich beef and hearty flavors, cutting through the dish's savory profile with its tannic structure.
• Elevate with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a crisp side salad featuring mixed greens, parsley, basil, and a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, meaty skillet.
• Match with Garlic Bread Crunch: Serve alongside toasted garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and add textural variety to the meal.
• Brighten with Zesty Slaw: Prepare a quick coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to introduce a tangy, crunchy element that balances the skillet's rich and hearty components.

Pepper Skillet in Unstuffed Dinner Styles

• Vegetarian Pepper Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the same delicious flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Swap instant rice with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the classic pepper skillet taste.
• Mediterranean-Style Skillet: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning for oregano and za'atar to give the dish a Greek-inspired profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Pepper Skillet: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap tomato sauce with salsa, and season with chili powder and cumin for a zesty southwestern kick.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of instant rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the liquid ratio according to the package instructions.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check your beef broth and tomato sauce labels to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.

• Can I make this recipe with ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein alternative that works perfectly in this skillet recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe is mild and kid-friendly. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty unstuffed pepper skillet brings classic comfort without complicated prep work. Packed with bold flavors and quick cooking time, this one-pan meal delivers satisfying dinner magic you’ll love from first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 2 cups instant white rice
• 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 15 ounces tomato sauce

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Beef broth (salted, follow rice package instructions for ratio)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, then introduce diced bell peppers and onions, ensuring they are evenly coated and glistening. Allow vegetables to soften and caramelize slightly for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate ground beef into the vegetable mixture, breaking it apart and cooking until the meat transforms from pink to a rich, uniform brown color. Introduce minced garlic and let it release its aromatic essence for roughly 45 seconds.
3. Eliminate excess fatty liquid from the skillet, then enhance the mixture with a harmonious blend of onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
4. Gently fold in petite diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, instant rice, and beef broth, carefully following rice package instructions for precise liquid proportions to ensure perfect texture.
5. Elevate the heat momentarily to trigger a rapid boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and allow the ingredients to meld and rice to absorb liquid completely, typically requiring 15-20 minutes.
6. Once the rice reaches a tender consistency and liquid vanishes, remove from heat. Plate the skillet contents while steaming hot, presenting a rustic, one-pan meal ready to delight.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier alternative that reduces overall fat content.
• Opt for brown rice instead of instant rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
• Customize the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra heat.
• For a low-carb version, substitute rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to create a keto-friendly meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg