Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Weeknight Meal

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: Craving the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but short on time? Then you’re in for a treat! Imagine all the deliciousness of tender bell peppers, savory ground beef, and perfectly cooked rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, but without the fuss of stuffing individual peppers. This one-pan wonder delivers a hearty and satisfying meal in a fraction of the time.

While the exact origins of stuffed peppers are debated, variations of this dish appear in cuisines around the world, from Eastern Europe to the Mediterranean. The beauty lies in its adaptability – using readily available ingredients and reflecting local flavors. Our Unstuffed Pepper Skillet takes that same spirit of resourcefulness and simplifies the process for today’s busy cook.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The slight sweetness of the bell peppers complements the savory ground beef, while the rice adds a comforting heartiness. The tomato sauce ties everything together, creating a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This one-skillet meal minimizes cleanup, making it a weeknight dinner champion. Get ready to enjoy all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in a quick, easy, and delicious new way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Meat and Vegetables:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we’re going to focus on browning the meat and softening those veggies. This is where the flavor foundation of our Unstuffed Pepper Skillet really comes from.

1. Heat the Olive Oil: Grab your largest skillet – a 12-inch cast iron skillet works perfectly, but any large skillet will do. Place it over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let the oil heat up for a minute or two until it shimmers. This ensures even cooking and prevents the ingredients from sticking.
2. Sauté the Onion and Bell Peppers: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften slightly. Don’t rush this step! Allowing the vegetables to soften properly releases their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet (or remove them temporarily and set aside if your skillet is getting too crowded). Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to break up any large clumps of beef to ensure even cooking.
4. Drain Excess Grease: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step is important for preventing the dish from becoming too greasy. You can either tilt the skillet and spoon out the grease, or carefully pour the beef and vegetables into a colander to drain. Return the beef and vegetables to the skillet.

Adding the Flavors and Simmering:

Now comes the fun part – building the flavor profile! We’re going to add all those delicious spices, tomatoes, and broth that will make this skillet taste just like stuffed peppers, but without all the fuss.

1. Season the Mixture: Add the garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine the spices with the beef and vegetables. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant. This helps to bloom the spices and release their full flavor.
2. Add Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure everything is nicely mixed together.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the sauce will thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This simmering process is key to developing a rich and flavorful sauce.
4. Stir in the Rice and Broth: After simmering, stir in the cooked rice and beef broth (or chicken broth). Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the skillet. The rice will absorb some of the sauce and add a nice texture to the dish. The broth helps to keep the mixture moist and prevents it from drying out.

Melting the Cheese and Serving:

Almost there! The final step is to add that cheesy goodness that everyone loves. This is what really brings the whole dish together and makes it irresistible.

1. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella) evenly over the top of the skillet. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum cheesy coverage.
2. Melt the Cheese: You have a couple of options for melting the cheese. You can either:
   • Option 1: Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt over low heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • Option 2: Place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!

   Choose the method that works best for you and your oven.

3. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for garnish. Let the skillet cool slightly before serving. This allows the cheese to set up a bit and prevents it from being too runny.

Serving Suggestions:

This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Add a sprinkle of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Serve over mashed potatoes or polenta for a heartier meal.
• Make it a complete meal by adding a side salad.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are some tips and variations to try:

• Use different types of meat: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.
• Use different types of cheese: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses would also be delicious.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu.
• Add beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans for added protein and fiber.
• Use different types of rice: Quinoa or couscous can be used instead of rice.
• Make it in a slow cooker: Brown the meat and vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese before serving.
• Make it ahead of time: This skillet can be made ahead of time and reheated. Simply prepare the skillet as directed, then let it cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Storage Instructions:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
• Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving

Enjoy your delicious and easy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or anytime you’re craving that classic stuffed pepper flavor without all the fuss. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try because it delivers all the deliciousness of traditional stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time and with minimal effort. Think about it: tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, flavorful rice, and a tangy tomato sauce, all coming together in one glorious skillet. What’s not to love?

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a lighter meal, serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Want to add a little kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You could even top it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve over rice (white, brown, or wild rice all work beautifully).
* Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
* Top with shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack are all great choices).
* Add a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Variations:

* Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
* Add other vegetables like diced zucchini, corn, or black beans.
* Substitute quinoa for rice for a healthier option.
* Use different types of bell peppers (red, yellow, orange) for a more colorful dish.
* Stir in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra flavor and spice.
* For a vegetarian version, use lentils or crumbled tofu instead of meat.

I’ve made this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or to meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your diet.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of effortless stuffed pepper flavor. Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think?

Please, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and share your thoughts and photos. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy your delicious and easy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet!