What ingredients do I need to make an unstuffed pepper skillet?

To make an unstuffed pepper skillet, you’ll need ground beef, bell peppers, onions, garlic, rice, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. These ingredients come together to recreate the classic stuffed pepper flavors in a quicker, one-pan recipe.

How do I cook an unstuffed pepper skillet step by step?

Start by heating a skillet on medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, cooking until the meat is browned and vegetables are soft. Stir in chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and uncooked rice, then bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Finish by sprinkling cheese on top and stirring until melted.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this skillet recipe. Cooking times remain similar, though you may want to check for doneness carefully since poultry should be cooked thoroughly. Adding a little extra seasoning can help maintain rich flavor.

How can I make an unstuffed pepper skillet gluten-free?

To make the recipe gluten-free, ensure the tomato sauce and tomato paste you use have no hidden gluten ingredients. Rice is naturally gluten-free, so no substitution is needed there. Double-check all spice blends for potential allergens or gluten-containing additives.

Is unstuffed pepper skillet a good meal for meal prep?

Yes, unstuffed pepper skillet is ideal for meal prep because it stores well and reheats easily. Prepare the dish in advance, portion into airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This makes a convenient, nutritious lunch or dinner option that saves time during busy weekdays.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe With Ground Beef And Rice

Name: Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 pound lean ground beef; – ½ cup chopped onion; – 1 diced green bell pepper; – 1 diced red bell pepper; – 3 minced garlic cloves; – 1 teaspoon chili powder; – ½ teaspoon paprika; – ½ teaspoon salt; – ¼ teaspoon pepper; – 1 (16-ounce) can of tomato sauce; – 1⅓ cups of instant rice; – 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese; – Chopped cilantro for garnish; – Lean ground beef provides protein and base flavor; – Bell peppers adds crunch and vitamins; – Instant rice makes the dish filling and absorbs flavors

Description

🌶️ This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a delicious and convenient meal that brings the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into an easy one-pan dish.
🍽️ With ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and cheesy rice, it’s a hearty and family-friendly recipe perfect for quick dinners.

Ingredients

– 1 pound lean ground beef

– ½ cup chopped onion

– 1 diced green bell pepper

– 1 diced red bell pepper

– 3 minced garlic cloves

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– ½ teaspoon paprika

– ½ teaspoon salt

– ¼ teaspoon pepper

– 1 (16-ounce) can of tomato sauce

– 1⅓ cups of instant rice

– 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

– Chopped cilantro for garnish

– Lean ground beef provides protein and base flavor

– Bell peppers adds crunch and vitamins

– Instant rice makes the dish filling and absorbs flavors

Instructions

1-Prepare all ingredients: Prepare all ingredients by dicing the bell peppers, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic cloves. This step takes about 5 minutes and sets the stage for a smooth cook.

2-Heat a large skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the veggies are tender, which is roughly 10 minutes>.

3-Season the mixture: Season the mixture with chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well to coat everything evenly.

4-Add the can of tomato sauce: Add the can of tomato sauce and instant rice, then bring it to a boil. Cover and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice is cooked through.

5-Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted, and garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

Notes

🧂 Adjust the seasoning with additional chili powder or paprika for desired spiciness.
🧀 Use sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor or try a blend of cheeses.
🌿 Fresh cilantro adds a bright finish, substitute with parsley if preferred.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: Unstuffed Pepper, Skillet Dinner, Ground Beef, Quick Meal