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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: Easy Flavor Packed Comfort Meal

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a quick, one-pan meal featuring bell peppers, ground turkey, rice, and a rich tomato sauce for a comforting dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable/canola oil
  • 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes high-quality
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes optional with green chilies
Cheese & Seasonings
  • 2 cups cooked rice or brown rice/quinoa
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil or fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon paprika smoked recommended
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
For the Topping
  • 1-2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef (or turkey) and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease.
  2. Add one chopped onion and one each of chopped green and red bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and onion is translucent.
  3. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Pour in 14.5 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 8 ounces of tomato sauce, and 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes. Mix well and let simmer.
  5. Stir in 2 cups of cooked rice and 1 tablespoon each of dried oregano, dried basil, and paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover until cheese melts, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot over rice or quinoa.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is perfect for meal prep and stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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