Go Back
–+ servings
A close up of the finished unstuffed pepper dish in a white skillet with a wooden spoon.
Pin Print
5 from 12 votes

Unstuffed Peppers

By: Min Kwon | MJ and Hungryman
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.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Want to save this recipe for later?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox. Plus you'll get easy, family-friendly recipes every week to lighten your mealtime mental load.

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 3 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 8 ounce favorite tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded cheese of choice
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions 

  • Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the chopped 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.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step really deepens the flavor!
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth. Stir, making sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet, and bring to a boil. Add the rice, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
  • Once the rice is cooked, add the cheese on top, cover, and let the cheese melt for a few minutes. Drizzle a little balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor—totally optional but delicious!

Video

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 17g | Potassium: 1100mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 3371IU | Vitamin C: 130mg | Calcium: 238mg | Iron: 6mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!