Are you searching for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that caters to your dietary needs? Look no further! This The BEST Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe (with Ground Beef) is a fantastic option for a gluten-free dinner that your whole family will love. Packed with colorful bell peppers, hearty ground beef, and flavorful spices, this skillet dish combines all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes for easy cleanup. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This unstuffed pepper skillet is not just any ordinary recipe; it’s a culinary delight that brings together a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here are several reasons why you will love it:
- Quick & Easy: With simple preparation and cooking steps, you can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
- Flavorful & Comforting: The combination of ground beef, bell peppers, and spices delivers a comforting flavor that’s reminiscent of traditional stuffed peppers.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when you use gluten-free rice, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Customizable: You can easily swap the ingredients based on your dietary preferences, such as using turkey or chicken instead of beef, or adding more vegetables.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less hassle and easy cleanup, giving you more time to enjoy your meal.
- Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy topping and vibrant colors, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a comforting dish to enjoy, this unstuffed pepper skillet ticks all the boxes. Let’s explore why you should give this recipe a try!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Not only is this The BEST Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe (with Ground Beef) delicious, but it also offers numerous benefits that make it an ideal choice for any dinner table:
- Nutritious Ingredients: The recipe is packed with veggies, protein, and wholesome grains, making it a balanced meal option that’s good for you.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and rice are affordable staples that are easy to find, making this dish an economical choice for families.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be easily reheated, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep strategies.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it alone, with a green salad, or alongside some crusty gluten-free bread for a complete meal.
- Great for All Ages: From kids to adults, this recipe is appealing to everyone, making it a go-to for family dinners.
- Delicious Leftovers: The flavors deepen as the dish sits, so leftovers are just as tasty (if not more!) the next day.
With all these enticing reasons to try this recipe, let’s move on to the ingredients and utensils you will need to create this unstuffed pepper skillet masterpiece!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
To make The BEST Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe (with Ground Beef), you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Now that we have our ingredients sorted, let’s talk about the necessary utensils to ensure your cooking experience is smooth:
- Large skillet: A non-stick skillet works best for this recipe.
- Spatula: For breaking apart the ground beef and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board: To dice the vegetables.
- Lid for the skillet: To cover while simmering for flavor melding.
With your ingredients and utensils ready, it’s time to dive into the detailed steps of preparing this scrumptious dish!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Follow these detailed steps to create your The BEST Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe (with Ground Beef):
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Incorporate Bell Peppers: Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the skillet mixture. Cover again and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
And there you have it! Your unstuffed pepper skillet is ready to be enjoyed. Here are some practical tips:
- For added flavor, consider using different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Feel free to add other vegetables into the mix, such as zucchini or corn, for additional nutrition.
FAQs
What can I serve with the unstuffed pepper skillet?
You can serve it alone or with a side salad, crusty gluten-free bread, or over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a nutritious boost.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It reheats well and makes for great leftovers.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This unstuffed pepper skillet is perfect for meal prep. Just divide it into portions and store them in airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I use different proteins instead of ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based proteins to accommodate different dietary preferences.
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or using spicy sausage instead of ground beef.
Conclusion
In summary, the The BEST Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe (with Ground Beef) is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that offers a comforting taste of home cooking while being gluten-free. With nutritious ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, this recipe is perfect for families and meal prep alike. We invite you to give it a try and share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe on social media or pin it for later on Pinterest. Happy cooking!

The BEST Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe (with Ground Beef)
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 Medium Onion, diced
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Bell Peppers, diced Any color
- 1 cup Cooked Rice White or brown
- 15 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned)
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- to taste Salt and Pepper
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese Cheddar or your choice
- for garnish Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the skillet mixture. Cover again and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet!