The BEST Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

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If you’re craving the warm, comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but don’t feel like doing all the stuffing, this unstuffed pepper skillet is exactly what you need. It brings all the hearty goodness of a classic family dish into a one-pan wonder that’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week.

This skillet meal is packed with seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, savory onions, and tender rice, all simmered together in a tomato-rich sauce. It’s a cozy, flavor-filled dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes and leaves you with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

It takes everything you love about stuffed peppers and simplifies the process dramatically. No need to pre-cook or hollow out peppers. Just chop, sauté, simmer, and serve. It’s family-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and wonderfully comforting without being heavy. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for low-carb or vegetarian diets.

What Kind of Peppers Should I Use?

Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers bring a naturally sweet and vibrant flavor to the skillet, which balances beautifully against the savory beef and tomato base. You can use green bell peppers if you prefer a slightly more bitter edge. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand—they all work deliciously in this dish.

Ingredients for the BEST Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

This dish is made from wholesome, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays a vital role in delivering the bold, savory flavor profile of a classic stuffed pepper—just faster and easier.

• Ground beef: The base protein that adds rich, meaty flavor.
• Bell peppers: Choose a mix of colors for both sweetness and color.
• Onion: Adds aromatic depth and classic comfort.
• Garlic: Infuses the skillet with robust flavor.
• Tomato sauce: Creates the savory-sweet base that binds it all together.
• Beef broth: Enhances the richness and ensures the rice cooks perfectly.
• Cooked rice: Helps soak up the flavors while giving body to the dish.
• Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs to tie everything together.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Shredded cheese (optional): For a gooey, melty topping if you’re feeling indulgent.

How To Make the BEST Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Stir in the Rice

Fold in the cooked rice and mix well so the rice is coated in the sauce. Let everything simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.

Step 5: Cheese It Up (Optional)

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover with a lid. Let it melt for a couple of minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Skillet Meal

This recipe makes enough to serve four to six hungry people, depending on portion size. Serve it straight from the skillet while hot for a family-style dinner that feels both casual and cozy. It pairs great with a fresh green salad or a slice of crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. It also freezes beautifully, so make extra and save yourself time later. Just thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to revive the texture.

What to Serve With Unstuffed Pepper Skillet?

A Crisp Garden Salad

A simple lettuce, cucumber, and tomato salad with a zesty vinaigrette lightens up the hearty flavors of the skillet.

Garlic Bread

Buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of that saucy goodness.

Roasted Broccoli

The crispy edges of roasted broccoli add a nutty flavor that complements the skillet.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Their natural sweetness balances the savory skillet beautifully.

Cornbread Muffins

Add a southern touch with soft, fluffy cornbread on the side.

Steamed Green Beans

A quick and healthy side that adds freshness and color.

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

Cool, creamy, and refreshing—a great contrast to the warm skillet.

Want More Skillet Ideas?

If you love how simple and satisfying this skillet dinner is, try these other one-pan wonders from Luna Meals:

• Healthy Sausage Veggie Skillet Meal for a balanced dinner with minimal effort.
• Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet when you want hearty and wholesome.
• Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake if you want your skillet flavors in a slow-cooker twist.
• Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese for a comfort classic with a bold twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again when the craving hits.

Let me know in the comments if you added mushrooms or tried it with ground turkey. Did your kids gobble it up? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes and daily comfort food inspiration on Luna Meals on Pinterest.

Conclusion

This unstuffed pepper skillet is proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be deeply satisfying. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and comforting flavors, all coming together in one pan. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this easy recipe has you covered.

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