Unstuffed Peppers

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This Unstuffed Peppers recipe is everything you love about classic stuffed peppers, but with half the effort and double the comfort. It turns the traditional dish into a hearty skillet meal that brings warmth to your table with its cozy blend of ground meat, peppers, rice, and tomato sauce. It’s all cooked together in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something nourishing and flavorful with minimal cleanup.

Imagine the flavor of slow-cooked stuffed bell peppers, but in a quicker, homestyle format. With tender rice soaking up a rich tomato base and vibrant bell peppers folded into every bite, this dish hits that sweet spot between cozy and practical. It’s a family favorite that satisfies cravings and brings everyone back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Unstuffed Peppers Recipe

This skillet recipe simplifies a classic comfort food into an easy one-pan meal without sacrificing flavor. You get the taste of a slow-roasted dish in less than 40 minutes. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. If you’re looking for a fuss-free way to enjoy stuffed pepper flavor, this recipe is your new go-to.

What Kind of Peppers Should I Use?

Bell peppers are the best choice for this dish. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are slightly sweeter and add great color, while green peppers provide a more traditional, earthy flavor. You can even mix and match to add a little visual interest to the dish. Just make sure to chop them evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Ingredients for the Unstuffed Peppers

The ingredients here are pantry-friendly and easy to customize. You likely already have most of these on hand. Every item plays a key role in making the dish rich, balanced, and satisfying.

• Ground beef
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell peppers
• Crushed tomatoes
• Beef broth
• White rice
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

How To Make the Unstuffed Peppers

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Rice

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked white rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Serve

If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it over the top and cover the skillet again for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Serving and Storing This Unstuffed Peppers Skillet

This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people depending on portion sizes, and it’s just as satisfying the next day. If you’re serving a crowd, you can double the ingredients and use a large Dutch oven instead of a skillet. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture. The flavors deepen overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option.

What to Serve With Unstuffed Peppers?

Garlic Bread

A slice of buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory tomato sauce.

Side Salad

Keep it light with a simple green salad topped with vinaigrette to balance the heartiness of the dish.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli adds a crisp contrast and a healthy touch to round out the meal.

Cornbread Muffins

If you prefer something sweeter on the side, cornbread muffins bring a comforting texture and mild sweetness.

Steamed Green Beans

Quick and fresh, green beans are a clean-tasting counterpoint to the rich main course.

Sautéed Zucchini

Soft and garlicky zucchini slices complement the peppers while adding another layer of veggie goodness.

Mashed Cauliflower

For a low-carb pairing, mashed cauliflower is creamy and satisfying without the heaviness.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

This bright, chilled side adds freshness and a little acidity to cut through the richness.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Unstuffed Peppers recipe, try some of our other easy, flavor-packed weeknight meals:

• Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a satisfying one-pan stir-fry.
• Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake when you want hands-off comfort food.
• Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet for a wholesome one-pan dinner.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a decadent seafood twist.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go cheesy or keep it classic? Did you try a spicy twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

Unstuffed Peppers bring all the homey flavor of classic stuffed peppers into a quick and satisfying weeknight skillet. It’s versatile, cozy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking just for you, this dish fits right into your meal rotation.

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