Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Meal

This unstuffed pepper skillet brings all the cozy flavors of classic stuffed peppers together in the easiest one-pan dinner. When busy weeknights hit and you want something filling but fuss-free this skillet is my secret weapon for happy bellies and minimal cleanup.

I first threw this together after running out of time for traditional stuffed peppers and it became an instant family favorite by the end of the meal.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: gives this dish hearty protein be sure to use fresh and look for a bit of marbling for flavor
• Salt, pepper, paprika and steak seasoning: add layered savory depth check your steak seasoning to see if it is coarse or fine ground for best texture
• Onion: provides classic aroma and mild sweetness look for onions that are firm and dry
• Bell peppers: deliver color crunch and that signature stuffed pepper taste choose brightly colored peppers that feel heavy for their size
• Worcestershire sauce: brings a tangy rich note opt for a good brand without artificial flavors
• Minced garlic: infuses extra savoriness always use plump fresh cloves or quality pre-minced garlic
• Diced tomatoes: create juiciness and flavor the best quality canned tomatoes will be slightly firm and not mushy
• Beef broth: delivers savory depth low sodium is best so you can control seasoning
• Long grain white rice: brings the dish together as a filling base pick rice with bright white color and no odor
• Shredded cheddar cheese: finishes the skillet with delicious meltiness freshly shredded melts best and has maximum flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a large skillet be sure to break it up into small crumbles for even cooking and season with salt pepper paprika and steak seasoning at this point so flavors infuse the meat

Sauté the Vegetables:

Add diced onion and bell peppers into the skillet cook until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent about eight minutes keep stirring to avoid sticking and help everything soften evenly

Drain the Skillet:

Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet after the vegetables have softened this ensures your dish will not be oily but remains flavorful

Build the Skillet:

Add diced tomatoes Worcestershire sauce minced garlic beef broth and uncooked rice stir very well so the rice is evenly distributed and covered with liquid this helps the rice cook through uniformly and soak up maximum flavor

Simmer and Cook Rice:

Bring the mixture to a quick boil then reduce the heat to medium low and cover tightly cook undisturbed for about twenty minutes or until the rice is fully tender I recommend peeking after twelve minutes to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom

Cheese it Up:

Mix in half the cheddar cheese while the skillet is hot then sprinkle the rest on top cover and let it sit until the cheese melts for an irresistible cheesy finish you can slide the skillet under the broiler briefly if you like a golden melted top

Finish and Serve:

Spoon into bowls while hot and top with your favorite extras such as sour cream or hot sauce my kids love making their own topping creations

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Cheddar cheese has always been the highlight for me because nothing beats that gooey cheesy layer on top my daughter loves sneaking bites of the melted cheese before dinner hits the table. One night we even tried it with pepper jack and it added a fun kick everyone laughed when the cheese strings stretched a mile long.

Storage Tips

Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen if needed The flavors often get even better the next day making it a great make ahead meal This skillet also freezes well just cool completely then store in freezer containers for up to two months

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter dish or use a plant based ground for a vegetarian version Switch out the rice for brown rice just increase simmer time by about ten minutes If cheddar is not your favorite try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder cheesy flavor

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this with a crisp green salad or some roasted broccoli Garlic bread makes a tasty side but sometimes we just scoop it into bowls and dig in with a spoon For a party try topping with sliced green onions avocado or even crushed tortilla chips for a loaded skillet

Cultural and Family Roots

While this is an American style shortcut I always think of it as the ultimate home comfort food Inspired by the traditional stuffed pepper but simplified for speed it brings generations together at the table just the same My grandmother would spend hours making stuffed peppers on Sundays but now we get those same flavors in a flash on busy nights

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter option. Just season generously for best flavor and follow the same steps.

→ What type of rice is best for this dish?

Long grain white rice is ideal, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavorful broth without getting mushy.

→ Can I make this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes, cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ Are there topping suggestions for extra flavor?

Try dolloping with sour cream, sprinkling chopped cilantro, or adding a dash of hot sauce when serving.

→ Can I bake this instead of using the stove?

Yes, after browning the meat, cover and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes until rice is tender and cheese melts.