Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Unstuffed Pepper Skillet! This dish is a total lifesaver on those busy weeknights when I want something hearty yet super easy to whip up. It combines all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but without the hassle of actually stuffing them—trust me, it’s a game changer! I remember the first time I made this; I was looking for something quick and satisfying, and this skillet meal became an instant favorite in my house. The best part? It’s all made in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner! Seriously, you’re going to love how simple and flavorful this dish is, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped (any color you love!)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 oz)
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Prepare Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Alright, let’s dive into making this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet! It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
- First things first, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with your spatula so it cooks evenly.
- Once the beef is nicely browned, toss in the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes, or until they’re softened and fragrant. The colors will start to pop—so pretty!
- Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, stirring everything together for about a minute. This step really amps up the flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Now, add in the diced tomatoes (including the juice!), rice, and beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything. It’s starting to look like a party in there!
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the rice will soak up all that delicious broth!
- After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This helps everything settle and get even tastier.
And voilà! Your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is ready to serve. I can already smell it—delicious!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutrition for my Unstuffed Pepper Skillet! Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any modifications you make. But here’s a general idea:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 20g
This dish packs a punch with protein and flavor while keeping things balanced. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax afterward!
- Flavor-packed: All the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss—your taste buds will be dancing!
- Healthy and hearty: Loaded with protein and veggies, it’s a balanced meal that satisfies.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite proteins, spices, or even add extra veggies to make it your own!
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to meals! It’s simple, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet turns out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve got some pro tips to share! Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference.
- Brown the beef well: Make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. This adds depth of flavor to your dish—don’t rush this step!
- Use fresh veggies: Fresh bell peppers and onions will give you the best flavor and texture. You can even mix different colors for a fun presentation!
- Check your rice: Depending on the type of rice you use, cooking times may vary. For brown rice, you might need to increase the simmering time by a few minutes. Just keep an eye on it!
- Season to taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Everyone’s palate is different, and I always encourage a little tasting as you go!
- Cheese lover? Add some! If you’re like me and can’t resist cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before the final simmer. It melts beautifully and adds that extra bit of creaminess!
- Meal prep friendly: This dish is fantastic for meal prepping! Make a big batch and store it in individual containers for quick, easy lunches throughout the week.
By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying Unstuffed Pepper Skillet that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! First off, why not switch the protein? Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully if you want a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a mix of your favorite beans instead of meat. You can also play around with the spices—add some cumin or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor! Don’t forget about the veggies; throw in some corn, zucchini, or even black olives to give it a little extra flair. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to experiment!
Serving Suggestions
To make your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet even more delightful, I love pairing it with a simple side salad. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the hearty skillet dish perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something warm, a slice of crusty garlic bread or buttery cornbread is also fantastic for soaking up those delicious flavors. And don’t forget a nice glass of iced tea or a sparkling water with a slice of lemon to refresh your palate! Enjoying this meal with your favorite sides makes it even more special!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is super easy! Just let it cool down a bit and then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days—perfect for meal prep! When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick fix; just cover it and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Easy peasy, right?
FAQ Section
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You might need to add a bit more broth and extend the simmering time by about 10-15 minutes. It’ll be worth it for that nutty flavor!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily turn this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or even a meat substitute like tempeh. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How do I store leftovers?
Simply let the skillet cool, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners!
Can I freeze this dish?
Definitely! This skillet meal freezes beautifully. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with my Unstuffed Pepper Skillet?
I love pairing this dish with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful goodness. You could also try it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
And if you’re curious about the nutritional benefits of bell peppers, you can learn more here.
Print
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: 5 Simple Steps to Savor Joy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened.
- Stir in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Add the diced tomatoes, rice, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add cheese on top before serving, if desired.
- This dish is great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, one-pan meal, quick dinner