Unstuffed Peppers are a weeknight lifesaver that capture all the savory, hearty goodness of traditional stuffed peppers without the fuss of hollowing and baking them. This deconstructed version delivers ground beef, sweet bell peppers, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices in one cozy skillet meal. Everything melds together beautifully, making each bite warm, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

Think of this as your ultimate comfort food shortcut. You still get the juicy, tender bell peppers and robust flavor of meat and herbs, but with a much faster cooking time. Served over fluffy rice or cauliflower rice, this dish is budget-friendly, meal-prep ready, and incredibly family-friendly. Whether you’re low on time or just craving something classic with a twist, Unstuffed Peppers will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Unstuffed Peppers

Quick and easy: Skip the oven and complicated prep. This skillet meal is ready in under 30 minutes.
Flavor-packed: A rich, tomatoey sauce with garlic, onions, and herbs makes every spoonful sing.
Customizable: Use beef, turkey, or plant-based meat. Add cheese or keep it dairy-free.
Meal-prep friendly: Stores and reheats beautifully for lunches or freezer meals.
Nutritious: Balanced with protein, veggies, and can be made low-carb.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cooking, a little prep makes everything smoother. Here are the essentials you need and why they matter:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: You need ample space to cook the meat, peppers, and sauce together. A deep skillet helps avoid spillage while everything simmers.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: These are crucial for dicing the bell peppers, onions, and garlic quickly and safely.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for breaking up the meat and stirring the mixture without damaging your cookware.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: To get the seasoning and liquid ratios just right.
Lid for Skillet (optional): Helps the mixture simmer evenly and allows flavors to meld more deeply.

Once everything is chopped and measured, you’ll be ready to bring this comforting classic together in one pan.

Ingredients for the Unstuffed Peppers

Ground Beef: This is the hearty base that gives the dish its richness and satisfying bite. Choose lean beef for less grease, or go full-flavor with an 80/20 mix.
Bell Peppers: The star of the show! Use a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for color, texture, and a mild sweetness.
Onion: Provides an aromatic depth and savory base to the overall flavor.
Garlic: Adds that unmistakable savory punch that ties the whole dish together.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Juicy and slightly tangy, they create the base of the sauce and help blend all flavors.
Tomato Sauce: Gives the dish a saucy texture and intensifies the tomato flavor.
Beef Broth: Enhances the savory profile while keeping the mixture juicy.
White Rice (cooked): Optional but perfect for serving—absorbs the flavorful sauce and makes the meal more filling.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a touch of herbs like oregano and basil for warmth.
Salt & Pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all the other flavors.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle heat kick if you like a bit of spice.

How To Make the Unstuffed Peppers

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then toss in diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add the Peppers

Toss in the chopped bell peppers and stir them in. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine everything well.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the peppers to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Spoon the unstuffed pepper mixture over a bowl of cooked white rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve and Store Unstuffed Peppers

Serving Tips:
Unstuffed Peppers are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can serve them over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice. For a heartier touch, spoon it over mashed potatoes or layer it into a baked potato. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or fresh parsley on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

Storing Tips:
Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes well—store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well and gives a slightly lighter flavor profile.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, Unstuffed Peppers freeze beautifully. Just let the mixture cool, then freeze in meal-sized portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What kind of rice works best with this?

White rice, brown rice, or even quinoa pairs wonderfully. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is great.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Of course! Add more crushed red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce to bring the heat.

Do I need to cook the rice separately?

Yes, for best results, serve this dish over already-cooked rice. It helps keep the texture just right and avoids overcooking the peppers.

Want More One-Pan Dinner Ideas?

If these Unstuffed Peppers hit the spot, here are more one-pan favorites that make dinner fast and delicious:

Try this Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole for a quick, comforting classic.
Need something creamy and rich? This One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup.
For a spicy twist, the One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta brings sweet heat in a hurry.
Want beefy satisfaction? This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is deeply savory and super easy.
Craving something bold? Dive into this Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni for a weeknight indulgence.

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And let me know in the comments how your Unstuffed Peppers turned out. Did you try it with cauliflower rice or traditional? Add cheese or keep it light?

I love hearing how you make these meals your own. Got a tip or variation? Drop it below!