Stuffed bell peppers are one of my favorite dinners. They’re packed with flavor, feel a little fancy, and are such a classic comfort meal. But if I’m being honest… who actually has time to stuff and bake bell peppers on a busy weeknight? Because I definitely don’t.
That’s exactly why I love this unstuffed pepper skillet. It has all the cozy, savory flavors of traditional stuffed peppers — seasoned ground beef, tender bell peppers, rice, and a rich tomato base — but everything comes together in one pan. No stuffing, no baking, and way less cleanup. It’s one of those meals that saves dinner when the day feels long.
If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly dinner that doesn’t require extra steps, this one is it. I’m all about dinners that feel comforting without adding stress, especially during my Soft Life Sundays when I try to keep things simple and cozy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan – fewer dishes, always a win
- Family-friendly – simple flavors that kids actually eat
- Great leftovers – perfect for lunches the next day
- Big flavor without extra steps – all the comfort, none of the fuss
This is one of those recipes that works whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to get dinner on the table without stress.
Ingredients Overview
You’ll need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients for this unstuffed pepper skillet:
- Ground beef
- Bell peppers (any color works)
- Onion
- Rice
- Tomato base (tomato sauce or diced tomatoes)
- Simple seasonings
I’ll include the full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require anything fancy.
- Brown the meat
- Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks and drain any excess grease if needed.
- Sauté the peppers and onions
- Add the diced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Cook until they begin to soften and everything smells amazing.
- Add rice and sauce
- Stir in the rice, tomato base, and seasonings. Mix everything well so the flavors combine.
- Simmer until done
- Cover and let the skillet simmer until the rice is cooked and the sauce has thickened. Give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once everything is tender and flavorful, dinner is ready.
Tips & Variations
This recipe is easy to customize based on what you have on hand:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey if you prefer
- Use leftover rice or minute rice to save even more time
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving if your family enjoys it
- Add a little extra seasoning if you like more bold flavor
It’s a forgiving recipe and works well for busy nights when you need flexibility.
How We Serve It
Most nights, we serve this straight from the skillet, because simple is best.
You can also:
- Pair it with a side salad for a balanced meal
- Serve with garlic bread or rolls if you want something extra
- Portion it out for easy lunches the next day
It’s one of those dinners that fits perfectly into real-life weeknights.
Storage & Leftovers
This dish also works great for meal prep. I love making extra so lunches are already done for the week. If meal prep is your thing, you’ll love my meal prep ideas for busy moms.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop
- Makes an easy lunch option for the next day
You can also freeze leftovers if needed — just let them cool completely before storing.
Final Thoughts
If you love the flavors of stuffed bell peppers but don’t love the extra work, this unstuffed pepper skillet is such a great alternative. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for busy nights when you still want a homemade meal on the table.
If you’re building out your dinner rotation, you’ll also love Easy Weeknight Dinners, and if you want something sweet after dinner, be sure to check out my famous Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies.
This is one of those recipes I come back to again and again — and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too.
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Equipment
- large skillet
- spoon
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 onion
- 3 bell peppers (orange, red, yellow or green)
- 1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- italian seasoning
- Kinders "The Blend"
- 1 can fire roasted tomatos
- 1 pkg ready-to-eat rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Slice your onions and peppers. Add olive oil to pan, and saute onion, garlic and bell peppers until cooked.
- Add ground beef to the pan and brown. Once beef is finished drain excess fat.
- Add seasonings to the meat to your taste. Make sure you have enough flavor. Once seasoning is done add in your tomatoes with the juice and your rice (make sure its already cooked).
- Stir and simmer until heated through. Top with grated parmesan cheese.