Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Name: Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 8 ounces mini sweet peppers, sliced crosswise (about 10 peppers, mixed colors); 1 cup chopped yellow onion; 1 pound lean ground sirloin (90/10); 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 0.25 cup water; 3 tablespoons hot cherry pepper hoagie spread (such as Cento); 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 (8.8 ounce) package microwavable white rice (such as Uncle Ben’s), crumbled; 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley

Cook Time: 20 minutes

This quick and delicious recipe combines lean ground beef, colorful mini sweet peppers, and a blend of savory seasonings, topped with melty Italian cheese. Serve it hot with fresh basil or parsley for a satisfying meal thats both hearty and flavorful.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces mini sweet peppers, sliced crosswise (about 10 peppers, mixed colors)
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 pound lean ground sirloin (90/10)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
cup water
3 tablespoons hot cherry pepper hoagie spread (such as Cento)
teaspoon kosher salt
1 (8.8 ounce) package microwavable white rice (such as Uncle Bens), crumbled
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mini sweet peppers and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring to break up the meat, until it is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Season with minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the tomato sauce, water, hot cherry pepper hoagie spread, and kosher salt. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, stir in the crumbled microwavable rice, making sure it's evenly coated with the sauce.
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and let it simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking. The rice and vegetables should be tender by the end of this step.
Uncover the skillet and remove it from heat. Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend evenly over the top. Cover again and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
Once the cheese has melted, uncover and serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	513
Total Fat	13g	17%
Saturated Fat	4g	19%
Cholesterol	70mg	23%
Sodium	1046mg	45%
Total Carbohydrate	64g	23%
Dietary Fiber	5g	18%
Protein	32g	64%
Potassium	541mg	12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Origin and History

The Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a modern twist on the classic stuffed bell pepper dish. Traditionally, stuffed peppers are a popular comfort food in many cultures, particularly in Eastern European and Mediterranean cuisines. These peppers are filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and vegetables. However, the unstuffed version simplifies the preparation by eliminating the need to hollow out and stuff each pepper individually. It brings all the comforting flavors into one pan, making it a quick and convenient weeknight meal without sacrificing taste.

Regional Variations

While the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is an American take on a classic dish, there are regional variations to consider. In Mediterranean countries like Greece and Turkey, stuffed peppers are often made with lamb, rice, and herbs like mint and dill, creating a fragrant and flavorful experience. In the American version, ground beef or turkey is typically used, along with Italian seasoning and sometimes even Worcestershire sauce, giving it a distinctly Western flavor profile. You may also encounter regional adaptations with different rice preparations, such as Spanish rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Differences from Similar Dishes

The Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is often compared to dishes like Stuffed Bell Peppers and the well-known casserole dishes, such as a "fried rice skillet" or "one-pot rice meal." What sets the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet apart is its ease of preparation. Unlike Stuffed Bell Peppers, which require you to hollow out the peppers and stuff them with a seasoned filling, the skillet version combines everything in a single pan. The flavors are still vibrant and rich, but it requires much less effort, making it a go-to dish for busy evenings. Additionally, unlike many casseroles, this dish is made in a skillet, which allows the peppers to caramelize and meld with the rice and meat for a deeper flavor.

Common Places to Serve

The Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a popular dish for home cooking, especially on busy weeknights. Its simplicity and ability to feed a family of four make it a go-to option for dinner tables across America. This dish is also a great choice for meal prepping or potluck gatherings since it's easy to scale up and prepare in large batches. It can be served as the main dish, accompanied by a fresh salad or a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. The skillet meal's hearty and savory flavors make it well-suited for cold-weather months, though it can be enjoyed year-round.

Interesting Facts

The Unstuffed Pepper Skillet has a fascinating versatility when it comes to substitutions. Many home cooks adjust the recipe to suit dietary preferences, such as using ground turkey or beef instead of traditional beef. Additionally, the recipe can easily be customized to accommodate gluten-free or low-carb diets by swapping out the rice for cauliflower rice or skipping it altogether. Some people add extra spices or hot pepper spreads, like Worcestershire sauce or hot cherry pepper hoagie spread, to elevate the flavor profile, making each version unique. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with your own, this dish is both adaptable and forgiving.

FAQ about Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Yes, you can freeze the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet for up to 2-3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat in a skillet or microwave.

Yes, you can substitute the microwavable rice with other types of rice. If you use regular rice, be sure to cook it beforehand or adjust the cooking time and liquid to ensure the rice is tender.

If you don't have hoagie spread, you can use Worcestershire sauce, salsa, or any other type of hot pepper spread or sauce for a similar flavor. Adjust the amount to your desired spice level.

Yes! You can make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils, and using a dairy-free cheese for the topping.

If you don't have fresh basil or parsley, you can use dried herbs or simply skip the garnish. Dried basil or Italian seasoning would be a good alternative.

To scale the recipe for more servings, simply increase the ingredients proportionally. Keep in mind, you may need to use a larger skillet or cook the dish in batches.

Yes, this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is great for meal prep! Divide it into individual portions and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. It reheats well, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners.

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with extra rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Yes, you can make the dish spicier by adding extra hot peppers, red pepper flakes, or using a spicier hoagie spread. Adjust the heat level according to your preference.

Comments

StrongStir1091

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I added 2 cups of instant white rice. Easily able to do with 1. Also used medium thick and chunky salsa instead of the spread. Will make again.

Lisa Forry Ferree

04/14/2024 04:48:19 PM

This turned out really well. I did use 1 cup regular rice with 2 cups vegetable broth and didn't use any water and left it simmer for about 15 minutes. I followed someone else's suggestion with adding the 3 tablespoons of worcestershire sauce. I thought it was good, my husband said next time not to use so much worcestershire sauce, he thought it was a little over-powering. We will have this again! Thanks much for the recipe!!

BrightPork1121

03/27/2023 05:28:21 PM

Easy to fix, and the flavor is tasty! The one thing that I did modify was adding the garlic to the onion and pepper mix when sauteing. Add to my recipe files.

mem

05/07/2023 05:03:05 AM

Delicious! I used ground turkey and only used the Italian seasoning, as I didn't have the hoagie spread. I also used regular rice so I added some vegetable broth so it would cook. I sprinkled it with parmesan cheese instead of cheddar. It seems like a very flexible recipe. Will definitely go into my regular rotation as it is my favorite type of meal: Easy to make, minimal clean up, filling and very tasty.

AlWi

11/20/2023 11:59:40 PM

I add Worcestershire sauce (3T.) and enjoy every bite. Delicious!

cathy1313

04/20/2023 12:31:41 AM

Great start! I only changed beef to turkey and rice to riced cauliflower. I didn't have hoagie sauce but still tasted great!

Sammy Davis

04/23/2025 01:28:49 PM

WOW! Just how this tastes so good is baffling to me. I LOVE this dish. My only tweak, I made my own rice (I don't like instant/microwave rice). So If you do that you can add it in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking as it's already cooked.

Kristine Harley

04/09/2025 11:33:37 PM

However, I made it with Spanish rice - I fried the rice first and added the vegetables to sautee, etc. More flavorful.

Brandy

08/04/2024 04:20:23 PM

Very easy and very good. I added extra peppers b/c that is our favorite part of the dish. It makes it ‘meatier’.

KatB

04/11/2025 09:07:28 PM

Doctored it a little. Used one 10 ounce can of Rotel and one 8 ounce can of tomato sauce. Also used two teaspoons of garlic powder instead of the minced garlic . Also used dried basil sprinkled on top instead of fresh. Looks and smells great!

PurpleMint8366

04/10/2025 04:24:24 PM

This was so delicious! I didn’t have the hoagie sauce and have never heard of it. I used Worcestershire sauce instead. I’m sure it gives a different flavor. I cooked my own rice instead of the package but using the packages would simplify the recipe even more My family loved this meal.

Heidi

09/17/2025 10:45:29 PM

Only changes I made was eliminated hoagie spread due to personal preference and used brown rice since it's better for diabetics.

TidyFish1254

08/24/2025 10:30:06 PM

Great idea that made this simpler to make on a weeknight. I used brown minute rice.

SturdyPan7856

06/20/2025 12:14:50 AM

It was not that flavourful. Or I didn't like the combination of flavours maybe. I will not repeat this one.

JenniferW

05/12/2025 09:50:39 PM

Tasty! I think it will be even better tomorrow when the flavors come together a bit more. I didn't add the pepper spread because I didn't have any and I'm a wimp when it comes to spice. I also used a green bell pepper and some sweet mini peppers because the bell pepper needed to be used up. All together, quite good!

SilverSue

04/20/2025 05:34:27 AM

We enjoyed this meal. We will be adding more sauce and going to try using our own rice.

Kate

04/17/2025 09:06:43 PM

This was good and everyone went back for seconds. I typically make my stuffed peppers with green bell peppers, so I missed that flavor. Next time, I'll add a green pepper with the mix. The ratio of meat to rice to tomato sauce is pretty much what my family's recipe consists of. I should also add that the leftovers (if there are any!) are even better the next day.

Christine Thomas

04/12/2025 02:45:43 PM

I tried this on a whim and it was perfect.

LoyalSoup5763

04/10/2025 09:20:51 PM

I use can of diced tomatoes

PurpleMint8366

04/10/2025 04:24:24 PM

audio version

Cook Time: 10 minutes