If you are craving the comfort and flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss of stuffing each one, this Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (One Pan!) Recipe is just what you need. It combines tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and fluffy rice all cooked together in one comforting skillet, crowned with gooey melted cheese. This recipe not only saves time and cleanup but delivers all the satisfying, hearty flavors of a classic stuffed pepper in a warm and inviting way. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this easy and delicious dish will quickly become a favorite weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together to make this Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (One Pan!) Recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role—ground beef adds savory depth, bell peppers bring bright color and sweetness, and cheese melts into creamy perfection that ties everything together.
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey): Provides hearty protein and a rich base flavor for the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften the onions and garlic, adding subtle richness.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a fragrant sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a punch of savory depth.
- 3 bell peppers (any color), diced: Bring vibrant color and a mild sweetness.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice: Soaks up all the flavors, creating a fluffy and filling base.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a slight tang.
- 2 cups beef broth: Enhances savory notes and cooks the rice perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Delivers aromatic herbs for warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor for depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right amount of spicy kick.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella): Melts creamy and gooey, making every bite irresistible.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh herbaceous note and a pop of green.
How to Make Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (One Pan!) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn translucent and soft. Then toss in the minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds to release its wonderful aroma. This base step builds a flavorful foundation for your dish, so take your time to get those onions nice and tender.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add your ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, and let it brown fully until there’s no pink left. This step adds that hearty, satisfying meaty flavor that makes this recipe so comforting. Don’t forget to drain excess grease if necessary to keep the dish from getting too oily.
Step 3: Cook the Bell Peppers
Once the meat is browned, stir in the diced bell peppers. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they start softening but still retain a slight crunch. The colorful peppers brighten up the dish visually and provide subtle sweetness and texture.
Step 4: Combine Rice, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Now it’s time to bring the rest of the ingredients together. Add the uncooked rice, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine. Then, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, before lowering the heat and covering the skillet to let it simmer.
Step 5: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Allow the skillet to simmer covered for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This step is where the flavors meld beautifully—rice releases its starch, thickening the mixture into a comforting, cohesive dish.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Melt
Remove the skillet from heat and give everything a gentle stir to fluff the rice mixture. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan again and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese melts into gooey, cheesy perfection that ties all the flavors together.
How to Serve Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (One Pan!) Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving. It adds a subtle herbal brightness that complements the richness of the cheese and meat beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (One Pan!) Recipe is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness with some refreshing crunch and nutrients. Crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a bit creative, serve this skillet dish in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for a charming, rustic presentation. You can even top each portion with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality touch at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (One Pan!) Recipe keep very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it just as delicious when reheated.
Freezing
This skillet meal freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, it’s best to add any fresh garnishes or extra cheese only after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice and cheese mixture so it doesn’t dry out. Stir gently and enjoy that comforting cheesy goodness all over again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and creates a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Just cook it the same way as the ground beef.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this entire Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (One Pan!) Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check your beef broth and canned tomatoes to ensure they don’t contain any additives with gluten.
Can I substitute the rice with cauliflower rice?
Definitely! For a low-carb twist, swap the white rice for cauliflower rice. Since cauliflower rice cooks faster, add it towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, try stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños along with the bell peppers. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.
What cheese works best if I don’t want cheddar?
Mozzarella is a great mild, melty option, but you could also try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses depending on your flavor preference. Just keep the amount similar for that gooey, cheesy finish.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (One Pan!) Recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and best of all, only uses one pan for easy cleanup. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
