Have you ever craved the flavors of stuffed peppers but didn’t want to go through the hassle of making them? The One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is here to save the day! This recipe takes all the hearty, comforting ingredients you love from traditional stuffed peppers and transforms them into a quick, one-pot wonder. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
This dish is a game-changer for anyone who loves comfort food but hates the mess. By simplifying the process, you get all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the need to pre-cook, stuff, or bake. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it to suit your preferences, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
Ground beef or turkey | 1 pound |
Bell peppers (mixed colors) | 3, diced |
Rice (white or brown) | 1 cup |
Onion (diced) | 1 medium |
Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (15 ounces) |
Water or broth | 1 cup |
Seasonings
Ingredient | Quantity |
Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- Fresh parsley or red chili flakes for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, get all your ingredients ready:
- Dice the bell peppers and onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Measure the rice, spices, and liquids.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and softened, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Cook the Ground Meat
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.
- If there’s excess fat, drain it carefully to keep the dish light.
4. Add the Peppers and Spices
- Stir in the diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes to soften the peppers slightly and let the flavors meld.
5. Incorporate the Rice and Tomato Base
- Stir in the rice to coat it with the spices.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Mix everything well.
6. Simmer to Perfection
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
- Cook for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Optional Toppings
- Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes to let it melt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or red chili flakes for a pop of color and flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Simplified Cooking
By turning stuffed peppers into a one-pot meal, you save time and effort without sacrificing flavor.
2. Balanced Nutrition
This dish provides a mix of protein, veggies, and carbs, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
3. Easy to Customize
Whether you prefer turkey over beef, brown rice over white, or extra spice, this recipe is endlessly adaptable.
4. Minimal Cleanup
One skillet is all you need, so you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 340 |
Protein | 25g |
Total Fat | 10g |
Saturated Fat | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sodium | 670mg |
Tips for the Best One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly diced peppers and onions enhance the flavor and texture.
- Adjust the Liquid: If using brown rice, add an extra ½ cup of water or broth and increase the cooking time by 5–7 minutes.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for extra depth.
- Let It Rest: Allow the skillet to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let the flavors settle.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish can stand alone as a complete meal, but you can elevate it with these serving ideas:
- Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Tortillas: Serve with warm tortillas for a fun, scoopable meal.
- Avocado: Add sliced avocado for a creamy, healthy topping.
FAQs About One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
1. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Yes! Quinoa is a great substitute for rice. Adjust the cooking time to 15–20 minutes and check for doneness.
2. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the ground meat with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer portions to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
4. What other veggies can I add?
You can include zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and variety.
5. How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Stir occasionally while the dish simmers, and ensure there’s enough liquid in the skillet.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion
The One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a lifesaver for busy nights when you need a delicious, hearty meal with minimal effort. It’s a flavorful and nutritious recipe that’s easy to customize and perfect for the whole family. Plus, with just one skillet to clean, it’s as practical as it is tasty.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and whip up this mouthwatering dish tonight!
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One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: A Delicious and Simple Meal
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Craving the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but want to skip the prep and mess? The One Pot Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is the answer! This dish packs all the savory goodness of traditional stuffed peppers into a simple, one-pan meal. With hearty ground beef or turkey, diced bell peppers, rice, and zesty seasonings, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 pound Ground Beef or Turkey
- 3 Bell Peppers (mixed colors, diced)
- 1 cup Rice (white or brown)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 ounces) Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 cup Water or Broth
For Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
For Optional Toppings:
- ½ cup Shredded Cheese
- Fresh Parsley or Red Chili Flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients
Dice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic. Measure the rice, spices, and liquids. - Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, and sauté garlic and onion for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened. - Cook the Ground Meat
Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat to keep the dish light. - Add the Peppers and Spices
Stir in the diced bell peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes to soften the peppers and allow flavors to meld. - Incorporate the Rice and Tomato Base
Stir in the rice to coat it with spices. Add the crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Mix everything well. - Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. - Optional Toppings
Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or red chili flakes for extra flavor.
Notes
- Simplified Cooking: All the flavors of stuffed peppers in a one-pot meal without the hassle.
- Balanced Nutrition: A complete meal with protein, veggies, and carbs to keep you satisfied.
- Easy to Customize: Choose turkey, beef, brown rice, or add more veggies to make it your own.
- Minimal Cleanup: Only one skillet needed for cooking and serving!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American