Follow Me On Social Media!
Looking for a quick and delicious meal that captures all the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle? Say hello to the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet! In just 20 minutes, you can have a hearty one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines lean ground beef, colorful bell peppers, aromatic garlic, and a blend of spices to create a savory masterpiece that the whole family will love.
What sets this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet apart is its convenient simplicity – everything cooks together in one skillet, allowing the flavors to mingle and meld beautifully. The marriage of chili powder, paprika, and melted cheddar cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, with easy cleanup and the option for customization with your favorite toppings, this dish is a winner for meal prep and leftovers. Experience the magic of traditional stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time with this must-try Unstuffed Pepper Skillet recipe!
Quick Benefits
- Creates a complete meal in one pan for easy cleanup
- Takes just 30 minutes from start to finish
- Delivers all the flavors of stuffed peppers with less work
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe Recipe
- Convenient One-Pan Meal: Enjoy all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the lengthy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
- Satisfying and Comforting: Delivers a hearty and family-friendly meal that’s sure to please everyone.
- Easy Cleanup: Cooks in one skillet, minimizing mess and making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: Allows for personalization with toppings like cilantro, creating a dish that suits everyone’s preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers, with flavors that improve over time.
- Flavorful Tips: Learn cooking techniques like browning the meat for added depth of flavor and using quality ingredients for the best results.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Adjust seasonings and toppings to suit your taste, making it a recipe you can truly make your own.
Ingredients for One-Pan Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup chopped onion
Seasonings and Base
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ cups instant rice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Toppings
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Pro Tips for One-Pan Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
For a successful Unstuffed Pepper Skillet dish, start by using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. When browning the meat, make sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow it to develop a nice brown crust, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Consistently dice the bell peppers and use a mix of colors for a visually appealing and sweet flavor profile.
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, let the seasoned ground beef develop some color before adding the diced vegetables. This step will create a richer taste in the final dish. Fresh-grated cheese is recommended over pre-shredded as it melts better. Consider making extra for planned leftovers, as this dish reheats beautifully and the flavors continue to meld together, improving overnight. Adjust the consistency with extra tomato sauce and feel free to customize with additional toppings to suit your taste preferences.
How to Make One-Pan Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Step 01
Preheat skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef, onion, bell peppers, and garlic until beef is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Step 2: Step 02
Add chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and rice to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until rice is tender.
Step 3: Step 03
Sprinkle cheese over the dish and stir until melted. Add cilantro as a garnish if desired before serving.
Storage Tips
Once you have prepared the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture. To store the dish in the refrigerator, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, portion out the desired amount into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, making sure to leave some room for expansion. When reheating from frozen, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator before heating it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. Freezing may slightly alter the texture of the peppers and rice, but the flavors will still be delicious. Enjoy the convenience of having a tasty meal ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice by storing your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet properly.
Ingredient Substitutions
For ingredient substitutions in the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet recipe, you can easily swap the lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. These alternatives will still provide a nice protein base for the dish while reducing the overall fat content. Additionally, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a hearty and flavorful alternative that will still complement the peppers and rice well.
If you’re looking to add more veggies or change up the flavor profile, consider swapping out the bell peppers for other varieties like poblano peppers for a smokier taste or adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra texture and nutrients. This can add a new dimension to the dish while still keeping it colorful and satisfying. Moreover, you can experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor or try a dairy-free alternative like vegan cheese to cater to dietary restrictions or preferences. These substitutions can help customize the dish to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs while still maintaining the essence of the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet recipe.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate the presentation of your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, consider serving it in individual bell pepper bowls. Cut the tops off bell peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, then fill them with the cooked unstuffed pepper mixture. Top each pepper with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and a garnish of fresh cilantro for a colorful and Instagram-worthy presentation. This not only adds a fun twist to the dish but also allows for easy portion control and a visually appealing way to enjoy this deconstructed stuffed pepper meal.
For a cozy and rustic serving suggestion, transfer the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet to a cast-iron skillet straight from the stovetop to the table. Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top and place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve the skillet family-style with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce. This communal dining experience adds a touch of warmth and homely charm to the meal, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a casual weeknight dinner.
FAQs for One-Pan Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet recipe. Just make sure to choose lean ground turkey to keep the dish light and flavorful.
Can I use brown rice instead of instant rice?
Absolutely! You can substitute brown rice for instant rice in this recipe. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly or pre-cook the brown rice before adding it to the skillet.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?
Yes, this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.
How can I make this recipe more spicy?
If you prefer a spicier version of the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. You can also top the dish with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving to kick up the heat.
Conclusion
I hope this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet recipe becomes a go-to favorite in your meal rotation, just as it has in mine. Its simplicity, comforting flavors, and easy cleanup make it a winner for busy weeknights. The convenience of a one-pan meal that still delivers on taste is truly a game-changer, and I love how customizable it is with different toppings and seasonings. Don’t forget to savor each bite of this delicious dish that brings all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without all the work.
So, next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner option, remember the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet. It’s a dish that never fails to impress with its ease of preparation and hearty flavors. Enjoy the process of cooking, the aromas that fill your kitchen, and the satisfaction of sharing a delightful meal with your loved ones. Cheers to uncomplicated yet scrumptious meals like this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet that make everyday cooking a joy!
One-Pan Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
Deconstructed stuffed peppers in a skillet – a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that captures the essence of the classic dish.
Prep Time5 Minutes
Cook Time15 Minutes
Total Time20 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings5 Servings
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup chopped onion
Seasonings and Base
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1½ cups instant rice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Toppings
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
-
Step 01: Preheat skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef, onion, bell peppers, and garlic until beef is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
-
Step 02: Add chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and rice to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until rice is tender.
-
Step 03: Sprinkle cheese over the dish and stir until melted. Add cilantro as a garnish if desired before serving.
