Easy Unstuffed Peppers

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This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet recipe is for you if you love the cozy, savory flavors of stuffed peppers—without all the fuss! With colorful veggies, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a one-pan meal that’s simple, hearty, and totally satisfying.

The finished unstuffed pepper dish in a white skillet with a wooden spoon.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Unstuffed Peppers take all the deliciousness of traditional stuffed peppers and put it into an easy weeknight meal.

This recipe is a great way to bring everyone to the table, including picky eaters who may not usually go for whole stuffed peppers. Here are a few of the key reasons why we love this dish in my house:

Quick and Convenient – Only one skillet to clean up, and it’s ready in about 30 minutes!
Nutritious – Bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and lean ground beef pack this dish with vitamins, protein, and fiber.
Customizable – You can easily switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

If you love this simple, hearty recipe, be sure to try other one-pan wonders like this flavorful One Pot Mexican Lentils dish or Easy Skillet Cabbage Lasagna. Both are delicious, fuss-free options that bring big flavor with minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Dish
Ingredients
Substitutions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Recipe Tips
Variations
Serving Suggestions
FAQ
More One Pot Recipes
Unstuffed Peppers Recipe

Ingredients

I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.

Bell peppers – You can use any color! I personally like the combination of all the colors. Each color has its own flavor profile, so using a variety enhances the meal.
Lean Ground Beef – I like using lean ground beef to keep it lighter without sacrificing taste. Feel free to choose your family’s favorite protein—see the substitution section below for ideas!
Italian Seasoning – This blend of herbs (typically basil, oregano, and thyme) gives a familiar, cozy Italian-inspired flavor to the dish. It makes everything taste like it’s been simmering all day—even though it hasn’t!
Tomato Sauce – The sauce pulls everything together and adds a smooth, comforting base. Choose your favorite brand, or if you have a homemade sauce you love, that’s even better! My family loves this hidden veggie pasta sauce, and it works great here!
Long-Grain White Rice – Rinse it before cooking for tender, separate grains. Rice soaks up all the flavors, making this dish hearty and satisfying.
Balsamic Vinegar (Optional) – A splash of balsamic at the end adds surprising depth. Optional, but worth trying for extra richness and complexity. You can also use a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Substitutions

One of the best things about this Unstuffed Pepper dish is how flexible it is. Here are a few ideas to make it work for everyone:

Protein – Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, ground chicken, ground Italian sausage, or even a plant-based alternative, such as tofu.
Cheese – Use whatever cheese you love! Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can add delicious melty goodness. If dairy isn’t your thing, try a dairy-free shredded cheese or simply leave it off.
Rice – This recipe uses long-grain white rice, but you can swap in brown rice (just extend the cooking time and add a bit more liquid) or even cauliflower rice if you want a low-carb version. If you want to swap out the rice all together, try using quinoa as a substitute.
Broth – You can easily swap the broth based on your needs. For a lighter or vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well. Bone broth is another great choice, adding a nutrient boost and an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes.

Bell peppers added to the cooked ground beef in a white skillet.

Step 2: Add the bell peppers, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning along with a pinch of salt and pepper (leave out if serving to baby). Cook until the beef is fully cooked and the veggies are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

Tomato paste added to the ground beef and bell pepper mixture in a white skillet.

Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Tomato sauce added to the ground beef, bell peppers, and tomato paste mixture on the stove in a white skillet.

Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth. Stir, making sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet, and bring to a boil.

Step 5: Add the rice, lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Cheese added to top of the unstuffed pepper mixture in a white skillet.

Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, cover, and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.

Recipe Tips

Don’t skip the tomato paste – sautéing the paste for a minute or two unlocks deeper, richer flavors, giving your dish that perfect “simmered-all-day” taste.
Rinse the Rice – Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, making it fluffy instead of sticky. This step also prevents the rice from clumping in the skillet.
If the rice isn’t fully cooked after 15 minutes, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and simmer for an extra 5 minutes.

Variations

Extra Veggies – Feel free to toss in some extras like chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Just add them in with the peppers and onions for a heartier dish.
Spice it up – If your family loves spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Casserole – This can easily be turned into a comforting casserole! Just transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. It’s a delicious, shareable option perfect for family dinners!

Serving Suggestions

Finished unstuffed peppers dished into a white bowl with a wooden spoon in it.

Here are some easy and tasty serving suggestions to complement your unstuffed peppers for a delicious dinner:

Fresh Salad – Try a simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. A Greek salad with olives, feta, and cucumbers also pairs beautifully with the flavors in this dish.
Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread – A slice of garlic bread or a hunk of crusty bread is perfect for scooping up all the delicious saucy bits.
Roasted or Steamed Veggies – A side of roasted or steamed veggies, like frozen broccoli, asparagus, or frozen green beans, makes this meal even more nutritious. You could also try roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Tortilla Chips or Pita Chips – This skillet is also great as a dip! Serve it alongside tortilla chips, pita chips, or even inside mini bell peppers for scooping. This can be a fun serving option for casual family dinners or gatherings.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Unstuffed peppers reheat beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze unstuffed peppers?

Yes! This dish is freezer-friendly. Once it cools, transfer to a freezer-safe container, label it, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it up in a skillet or microwave.

What color bell peppers should I use?

You can use any color of bell pepper that you wish. I like to use a combination of red bell peppers, green bell peppers and orange bell peppers.