Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet! It’s the kind of dish that makes my heart sing—so simple, yet bursting with flavor. Seriously, all those classic stuffed pepper flavors come together in one pan, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal. I love how the tender bell peppers, savory beef, and zesty tomatoes meld together, creating a comforting harmony that warms me right up. Plus, it’s one of those dinners that’s ready in just about 30 minutes! You can whip it up even on the busiest of nights, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds. It’s a real winner in my house, and I know it’ll be in yours too!
Ingredients for Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Unstuffed Pepper Skillet. You’ll find everything you need right here:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 bell peppers, chopped (any colors you like—red, green, yellow, or orange!)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice (leftover rice works perfectly!)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, no need to drain)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a vibrant, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand—this dish is super flexible! Feel free to swap out veggies or spices based on what you love or have in your pantry.
How to Prepare Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want to brown it nicely, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally, so it cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color!
Step 2: Cook the Onion
Once your beef is browned, it’s time to add the diced onion. Stir it in and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. This step adds a sweet base to your dish, and oh, the aroma is just heavenly!
Step 3: Add the Bell Peppers
Next, toss in those vibrant chopped bell peppers! Stir them around and let them cook for another 5 minutes or so until they start to soften up a bit. You want them tender but still with a slight crunch—they add such a nice texture!
Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (juice and all), beef broth, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and trust me, you’ll want to taste it at this point!
Step 5: Simmer
Finally, let this delicious mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together, creating a comforting dish that’s simply irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- One-pan meal means easy cleanup, yay!
- Rich, comforting flavors that remind you of classic stuffed peppers.
- Flexible ingredients—swap in your favorite veggies or proteins!
- Perfect for using up leftovers like rice or veggies.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please picky eaters at the table.
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch for lunches or dinners!
- Gluten-free, so it fits various dietary needs.
Tips for Success
To make your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet truly shine, here are some practical tips I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, these little tricks can make a big difference!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a little heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish!
- Use Leftover Rice: I love using leftover rice for this recipe—it saves time and adds a cozy, homey touch. Just make sure it’s not too mushy when you add it to the skillet.
- Experiment with Veggies: Don’t hesitate to throw in other veggies you have on hand! Zucchini, corn, or even black beans can be delicious additions. Get creative!
- Top with Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking. Let it melt beautifully for a cheesy goodness that everyone will love!
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your skillet as you’re cooking! It’s the best way to ensure the flavors are just right. Adjust the seasoning to your preference—it’s all about making it your own!
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which I doubt will happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It reheats wonderfully the next day—just add a splash of broth to keep it moist while warming up.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be set to make a fantastic Unstuffed Pepper Skillet every time. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note about the nutritional information: it can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, while I’ve done my best to provide accurate estimates, remember that these numbers aren’t set in stone. Always feel free to adjust based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Happy cooking!
FAQ About Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Got questions? No worries! I’ve got answers to some of the most common queries about this delicious Unstuffed Pepper Skillet. Let’s dive in!
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they might cook a bit faster than beef.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you’re looking for alternatives, vegetable broth or chicken broth will do the trick. You can even use water if that’s all you have on hand, though broth adds much more flavor!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Just swap out the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead. You’ll still get that hearty flavor and texture!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist!
Can I freeze the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet?
You can! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for about 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What sides pair well with this dish?
I love serving it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that yummy sauce. You could also pair it with a side of steamed veggies for a complete meal!
Why is my skillet too watery?
If you find your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a bit soupy, it might be due to the tomatoes or broth. Just let it simmer a bit longer to thicken up, and it’ll be perfect!
Can I add other spices or herbs?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices like cumin, paprika, or even fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Make it your own!
Hopefully, these answers help you whip up the perfect Unstuffed Pepper Skillet! If you have any other questions, just drop me a line. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious Unstuffed Pepper Skillet ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to make your meal even more fabulous! I love pairing this hearty dish with a few simple sides that complement its rich flavors.
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect contrast to the warmth of the skillet. I like to toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. It adds a nice crunch and brightness to the meal!
- Crusty Bread: Don’t underestimate the power of some freshly baked bread! A warm baguette or some garlic bread is fantastic for soaking up all those flavorful juices from the skillet. Trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!
- Steamed Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrition, serve your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet with a side of steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots. They add a pop of color and a healthful touch to your plate.
- Rice or Quinoa: If you want to amp up the meal, consider serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. It’ll soak up the delicious flavors and make for a more filling dish!
- Guacamole or Avocado Slices: For a creamy, dreamy addition, I love topping my skillet with a scoop of guacamole or a few slices of avocado. It adds richness and a hint of freshness that pairs beautifully!
These serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience and make your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet even more satisfying. Enjoy the feast, and happy eating!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
It’s always nice to have some leftovers for a quick meal, right? Here’s how to store your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet and keep it tasting fantastic!
First, let the skillet cool down completely. Once it’s at room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This is super important—it keeps the flavors fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from sneaking in!
Store your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just scoop out what you want and reheat it. I recommend warming it up on the stove over medium heat. Just add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it from drying out as it warms up. Stir it occasionally until everything is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. It’ll be just as delicious as the first time!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the skillet! Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It should keep well for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat as mentioned above. Trust me, it’ll taste just as great, and you’ll be so glad you saved it!
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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious unstuffed pepper skillet dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook until softened.
- Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Use leftover rice to save time.
- Top with cheese for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, easy dinner, one-pan meal