If you are looking for a vibrant, comforting, and absolutely delicious dinner that comes together in just one pan, the One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This dish captures all the beloved flavors of stuffed peppers—sweet bell peppers, savory ground meat, and hearty rice—but without the fuss of hollowing out peppers or juggling multiple pots. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s packed with color, texture, and mouthwatering aromas, making it wholesome enough for any night and simple enough to whip up even on your busiest days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Each component is essential, from the savory ground beef to the colorful bell peppers that brighten up the skillet. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this easy but impressive dish.
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey: Provides savory richness and protein to keep the dish satisfying.
- 3 bell peppers (mixed colors, diced): Add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color that make the dish pop.
- 1 cup rice (white or brown): Acts as the hearty base, soaking up all the rich tomato flavors perfectly.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Brings a sweet and slightly pungent aroma to enhance the overall flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a warm and savory undertone that complements the meat and veggies.
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Creates a saucy, tangy element that ties everything together.
- 1 cup water or broth: Essential for perfectly cooking the rice while intensifying the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a delightful herbaceous note to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle heat and depth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Aids in sautéing and enriches the overall texture with healthy fats.
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping: Creates a melty, gooey finish that everyone loves.
- Fresh parsley or red chili flakes for garnish: Add a fresh or spicy kick for the final touch.
How to Make One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the bell peppers and the onion into bite-sized pieces. Then mince the garlic cloves finely so their flavor distributes evenly throughout the skillet. Measure the rice and gather all your ingredients on your workspace. Having everything ready makes the cooking flow so much smoother!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in the garlic and onion, cooking just until they become fragrant and translucent. This initial step releases their flavors and sets a delicious foundation for the whole dish.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add your ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with your spoon and cook it evenly until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep the dish from becoming greasy while maintaining moisture.
Step 4: Add Peppers and Seasonings
Stir in the diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow these to cook together for about 3 to 5 minutes so the peppers soften just enough to be tender but still retain a slight bite.
Step 5: Incorporate the Rice and Tomato Base
Mix the rice into the skillet, giving it a good stir to coat every grain with the savory spices. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the cup of water or broth. This combination will cook the rice thoroughly and create a luscious tomato sauce that binds all the ingredients.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let everything cook undisturbed until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, usually about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Step 7: Add Optional Cheese Topping
Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the top of the skillet. Cover again for a few minutes so the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible blanket that adds a creamy bite to each forkful.
How to Serve One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the skillet to brighten flavors with its herbaceous freshness. If you like a little heat, toss on some red chili flakes. They add a perfect kick without overwhelming the dish’s balance.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience with simple sides like a crisp green salad, warm crusty bread, or even roasted vegetables. These sides provide complementary textures and keep the meal feeling fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe in individual bowls with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top. Layering it in small cast iron skillets at the table adds a rustic charm that makes every bite feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, let the skillet cool to room temperature before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days—it tastes just as good reheated and is perfect for next-day lunches.
Freezing
This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to redistribute moisture and cheese meltiness. Alternatively, microwave in shorter intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully for a leaner option, while ground chicken or even plant-based meat substitutes can be great alternatives depending on your preference.
Is it okay to use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind brown rice usually takes longer to cook. You might need to add a bit more liquid and extend the simmering time to ensure the rice becomes tender.
What can I do if I don’t have crushed tomatoes on hand?
You can substitute with tomato sauce or even diced canned tomatoes. Just be mindful that diced tomatoes add more texture. If you want a smoother sauce, blending them slightly before adding can help.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply swap the meat for hearty alternatives like lentils, cooked chickpeas, or plant-based ground products to keep it filling and flavorful.
How spicy is the dish as written?
It’s mild with just a touch of peppery warmth from the black pepper and Italian seasoning. You can easily adjust heat by adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper based on your taste.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe is a beautiful blend of comfort and convenience—a dish that feels special but is so easy to prepare. It’s colorful, nourishing, and full of flavors that invite you to savor every bite. Whether on a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this skillet will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the simple joy of a meal made with love in one pot!
Print
One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy one-pot unstuffed pepper skillet featuring ground beef or turkey, colorful bell peppers, rice, and savory Italian seasonings. This hearty skillet meal combines all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss of stuffed shells, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that cooks entirely on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Proteins and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 3 bell peppers (mixed colors, diced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water or broth
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnishes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley or red chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Dice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the rice and all other ingredients to have them ready before cooking.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, then sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the ground meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
- Add peppers and seasonings: Stir in the diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
- Incorporate rice and tomato base: Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the spices and juices.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add optional toppings: Once the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or red chili flakes before serving for a fresh and spicy touch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use broth instead of water to add more flavor to the rice.
- If you prefer, substitute brown rice but increase cooking time accordingly (about 40-45 minutes).
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
