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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Featured in Hearty Dishes for the Whole Family.

Skip the fussy stuffed peppers and make this easy unstuffed pepper skillet instead! This one-pan meal has all the flavors you love - seasoned ground beef, tender peppers, and fluffy rice simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The ingredients come together quickly on the stovetop, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious but don't have time for traditional stuffed peppers. Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning less cleanup too. It's a family-friendly dish that gives you all that classic stuffed pepper taste with half the work.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:56:48 GMT
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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet | myhomemaderecipe.com

Transform the classic stuffed pepper experience into a convenient, flavor-packed skillet meal that brings all the comfort without the fuss. This unstuffed pepper skillet combines tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and perfectly cooked rice in a rich tomato sauce. After discovering how much easier this deconstructed version is, I've never gone back to traditional stuffed peppers. The beauty lies in how each ingredient maintains its distinct texture while melding into a harmonious dish.

I stumbled upon this method during a busy weeknight when I had all the ingredients for stuffed peppers but not the time. What started as a convenient shortcut has become one of our favorite family meals.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Bell Peppers: Choose peppers that feel heavy for their size with glossy, firm skin. Mix colors not just for visual appeal but because each color offers slightly different flavor notes. Green peppers provide earthiness, while red ones add sweetness
  • Ground Beef: Select 85/15 ground beef for the ideal balance of flavor and texture. The fat content helps carry the seasonings throughout the dish
  • Instant Rice: Look for long-grain instant rice that appears translucent rather than chalky. This indicates better quality and ensures proper cooking

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Preparation Phase:
Dice peppers into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. Chop onion to match pepper size. Measure all seasonings into small bowl. Have broth at room temperature. Prepare workspace for efficient cooking.
Vegetable Foundation:
Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and wait for slight shimmer. Add peppers and onions in single layer. Let them sear briefly before stirring. Cook until onions become translucent. Vegetables should retain slight crunch.
The Perfect Beef Development:
Add beef in large chunks. Let crust form before breaking apart. Season meat as it cooks. Add garlic in final minute. Drain excess fat carefully. Return skillet to medium heat. Break meat into medium-sized pieces.
Building the Final Dish:
Add tomatoes and sauce around edges. Stir to release browned bits. Sprinkle rice evenly across surface. Pour broth carefully over rice. Avoid stirring immediately. Cover and reduce heat to low. Set timer for exactly 15 minutes.
Close-up Unstuffed Pepper Skillet pin it
Close-up Unstuffed Pepper Skillet | myhomemaderecipe.com

My Italian grandmother would be horrified by this shortcut version of stuffed peppers, but even she had to admit the flavor was spot-on when I served it to her. The key was getting that perfect balance of seasonings that makes everything taste like it's been cooking for hours.

Heat Management

Learning to control the heat throughout cooking makes the difference between mushy and perfectly tender vegetables. I've found that starting with higher heat for the vegetables, then reducing it for the rice cooking phase, gives the best results.

Layering Flavors

Each step builds on the previous one, creating a depth of flavor that rivals traditional stuffed peppers. The brief searing of vegetables before adding the meat is crucial for developing that caramelized sweetness.

Delicious Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe pin it
Delicious Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Toast the rice in the beef fat before adding liquid for extra flavor
  • Create wells in the rice for even liquid distribution
  • Let dish rest 5 minutes before serving for perfect texture

This unstuffed pepper skillet has become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights when I want something satisfying without the fuss. It delivers all the comfort of traditional stuffed peppers while being more accessible and even more flavorful. The way the ingredients come together creates something that's both familiar and fresh - true comfort food that doesn't sacrifice flavor for convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use brown rice instead of instant white rice?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio according to your brown rice package directions since it takes longer to cook than instant rice.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Cool completely then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
→ What can I serve with unstuffed pepper skillet?
It's a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables if desired.
→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Recipe

This unstuffed pepper skillet combines ground beef, peppers, and rice in one pan for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

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By: Zaho

Category: Family Meals

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Proteins & Produce

01 1½ pounds ground beef
02 1 green bell pepper, diced
03 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 ½ yellow onion, diced
05 1 tablespoon minced garlic

→ Pantry Items

06 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 Salt and black pepper to taste
10 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, drained
12 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
13 2 cups instant white rice
14 Beef broth (regular, not low sodium - amount according to rice package directions)

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced peppers and onions, giving them a good stir to coat with oil. Let them sauté for 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Add the ground beef and cook until there's no pink left, then toss in the minced garlic for another 30-45 seconds. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 02

Season everything with onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to distribute all those flavors.

Step 03

Add your drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, instant rice, and beef broth (use the amount specified on your rice package). Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed all that flavorful broth.

Notes

  1. Use regular beef broth rather than low-sodium for best flavor - you may still need to add salt to taste
  2. Be precise with the rice-to-liquid ratio according to your rice package to ensure perfect texture

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Measuring cups and spoons