Quick Unstuffed Pepper Skillet with Rice and Ground Beef

If you love the comforting taste of classic stuffed peppers but don’t love the extra prep work, this unstuffed pepper skillet will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It captures everything you crave — savory meat, tender peppers, rich tomato flavor, and perfectly cooked rice — all prepared in one pan. This style of cooking is ideal for busy weeknights, beginner cooks, or anyone wanting a hearty homemade dinner without juggling multiple pots and pans.

Beyond convenience, this recipe is deeply satisfying. The peppers soften into the sauce, the rice absorbs all the delicious juices, and the seasoned beef brings richness to every bite. The result is a cozy, balanced meal that tastes like it simmered for hours even though it comes together surprisingly fast. It’s the kind of dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent at the same time.

Another great advantage is versatility. You can tweak the spices, change the protein, adjust the heat level, or add extra vegetables depending on what you have available. This flexibility makes the skillet perfect for families, meal prep, or simply clearing out the fridge while still producing something genuinely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Requires just one skillet for cooking and cleanup
• Delivers classic stuffed pepper flavors with less effort
• Ready quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners
• Balanced with protein, vegetables, and grains
• Easily customizable for preferences or dietary needs
• Reheats beautifully for leftovers

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers, diced (any colors)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14–15 oz), with juices
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
• Add diced onion and bell peppers, cooking until slightly softened
• Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant
• Add ground beef, breaking it apart while browning
• Sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and chili powder
• Cook until beef is fully browned and well seasoned
• Stir in tomato paste until evenly distributed
• Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, and broth
• Bring mixture to a gentle simmer
• Cover skillet and reduce heat to low
• Cook until rice becomes tender and liquid absorbs
• Add small splashes of broth if needed for softer rice
• Remove from heat once texture is thick and cohesive
• Sprinkle cheese over the top if desired
• Allow cheese to melt before serving

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes
• Cook Time: Approximately 25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
• Servings: About 4 portions
• Cuisine: American-inspired comfort food
• Course: Main meal

Flavor Profile Breakdown

• Savory richness from seasoned ground beef
• Natural sweetness from sautéed bell peppers
• Gentle smokiness from paprika and chili powder
• Mild acidity and depth from tomatoes
• Warm earthy undertones from cumin
• Optional creamy finish from melted cheese

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Dice peppers evenly for consistent cooking
• Use medium heat to avoid burning vegetables
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
• Keep skillet covered while rice cooks
• Add broth gradually if mixture dries too quickly
• Let dish rest briefly before serving for better texture

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken
• Use vegetable broth for a lighter profile
• Replace white rice with pre-cooked brown rice
• Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables
• Increase chili powder for added heat
• Skip cheese for a dairy-free version
• Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different flavor

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding too much liquid at once
• Cooking on heat that is too high
• Cutting vegetables too large
• Forgetting to cover the skillet while simmering
• Overcooking rice until mushy
• Under-seasoning the beef mixture

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad
• Serve alongside warm crusty bread
• Add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream
• Spoon into wraps or tortillas
• Garnish with fresh herbs for brightness

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in a sealed container
• Refrigerate for up to several days
• Reheat gently to maintain texture
• Add small splash of broth when reheating
• Avoid overheating to prevent dryness

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: ~30 g
• Carbohydrates: ~35 g
• Fat: ~18 g
• Fiber: ~4 g
• Sugar: ~6 g
• Sodium: ~900 mg

Final Thoughts

This unstuffed pepper skillet proves that comforting, homemade meals do not have to be complicated. It’s warm, hearty, colorful, and deeply satisfying — exactly the type of dish that works for both busy schedules and relaxed family dinners. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a dependable recipe you’ll likely revisit often.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish stores well and maintains great flavor when reheated, making it excellent for meal prep.

What type of peppers work best?
Any bell peppers are suitable. Mixing colors enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, though rice texture may soften slightly after thawing. Reheat slowly for best results.

Is this dish spicy?
The heat level is mild. You can easily increase or reduce spice according to preference.

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?
Yes, simply reduce the broth and stir cooked rice in near the end of cooking.