Easy One-Pan Unstuffed Pepper Skillet: A Quick, Healthy & Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Craving the comforting, rich flavors of classic stuffed peppers but short on time? Look no further than this incredibly satisfying unstuffed pepper skillet recipe! It delivers all the beloved taste of traditional stuffed peppers without any of the time-consuming fuss. Designed for efficiency and maximum flavor, this dish is not only high in protein and bursting with fresh vegetables, but it’s also entirely made in just one skillet. You’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep.
Here at our home, one-pan meals are an absolute staple in our regular cooking rotation. Whether it’s whipping up a speedy quick Italian Chicken Skilletor preparing an easy Turkey Taco Skillet, I am always enthusiastic about recipes that promise fewer dishes, minimal mess, and meals that land on the table in 30 minutes or less. This “Unstuffed” Pepper Skillet recipe truly excels at checking all these essential boxes, making it a go-to choice for a hassle-free, flavorful dinner that the whole family will love.
This deconstructed version captures the essence and delicious taste of traditional stuffed peppers, but brilliantly eliminates the need to meticulously stuff individual bell peppers. Instead, the process is streamlined into a quick sauté, bringing together lean ground meat with an abundance of wholesome, colorful vegetables—all cooked together in a single pan. Once simmered to perfection, it’s topped with some wonderfully melty cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible finish. Serve this easy weeknight meal on its own for a low-carb option, or spoon it over a bed of fluffy brown rice for a more complete and satisfying dish. This recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite in no time!
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Why I Love This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
This unstuffed pepper skillet has quickly become a cherished recipe in our household, and for good reason! Its simplicity, speed, and versatility make it a winner for anyone looking for a wholesome and delicious meal without the fuss. Here’s why I absolutely adore this recipe:
- Effortless Preparation: I often rely on my trusty veggie chopper to make quick work of dicing onions and bell peppers, drastically cutting down on prep time. This means less chopping, less mess, and more time enjoying your evening. It’s perfect for those busy days when every minute counts.
- Blazing Fast Cooking: From start to finish, this entire meal is ready in an impressive 20-25 minutes. It’s faster than ordering takeout and significantly healthier, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor or nutrition for speed. It’s the ultimate quick unstuffed pepper recipe for any day of the week.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: This dish is a meal prep superstar! It reheats beautifully, and interestingly, the flavors tend to deepen and become even more delicious on the second or third day. Prepare a larger batch on Sunday, and you’ll have flavorful, ready-to-eat lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Packed with Protein and Veggies: Each generous serving boasts over 30 grams of protein, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, it’s loaded with a colorful array of vegetables (some cleverly hidden, like cauliflower rice!) to boost your nutrient intake. This makes it a fantastic low-carb dinner option that doesn’t compromise on taste or health benefits.
Key Ingredients for Your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
This easy stuffed pepper skillet comes together with a selection of readily available ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. For the complete ingredient list with precise measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:
- Olive Oil (or Cooking Spray): Essential for sautéing. I personally love using my EVO oil sprayer for an even coat and controlled amount.
- Ground Chicken: This is my protein of choice for a leaner option, but feel free to customize! You can easily substitute with any lean ground meat, such as lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even add a spicy kick with Italian sausage.
- Aromatic Spices: A blend of salt, cumin, paprika, and oregano creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that perfectly complements the peppers and meat. Adjust to your taste!
- Yellow Onion: Adds a foundational sweetness and depth of flavor to the skillet. Dicing it finely helps it meld seamlessly into the dish.
- Bell Peppers: The star of the show! While we’re particularly fond of vibrant green bell peppers for their slightly tangy flavor, you can absolutely use a mix of orange, yellow, or red bell peppers for added sweetness and color.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic brings an indispensable aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skip it!
- Cauliflower Rice: A brilliant way to sneak in extra vegetables and keep this dish low-carb. It adds a wonderful texture and absorbs the flavors beautifully. If cauliflower rice isn’t your preference, finely diced mushrooms or grated zucchini make excellent alternatives.
- Tomato Paste or Ketchup: A small amount of tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and richness, while ketchup can offer a touch of sweetness and tang if you prefer.
- Tomato Sauce: The base of our flavorful “stuffed pepper” sauce, binding all the ingredients together.
- Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese: For that irresistible, gooey, melty topping. Pepper Jack adds a subtle hint of spice. Omit for a dairy-free version, or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley at the end brightens up the dish with a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
Substitutions and Creative Variations
One of the best things about this unstuffed pepper skillet recipe is its incredible flexibility. It’s easy to adapt to various dietary needs or simply to switch up the flavors. Here are some fantastic substitutions and variations to inspire you:
- For a Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, simply leave off the cheese. For a creamy texture and savory flavor, you can sprinkle on some high-quality dairy-free cheese shreds, a generous amount of nutritional yeast for a cheesy umami boost, or top each serving with fresh, diced avocado.
- To Make it Meatless/Vegetarian: This recipe is easily transformed into a delicious vegetarian meal. Replace the ground meat with your favorite vegan meat substitute (like plant-based ground “beef”), black beans for a hearty texture and protein, or lentils for a wholesome, earthy flavor. These alternatives absorb the rich tomato and pepper flavors beautifully.
- Embrace an Italian Twist: For a different flavor profile, similar to my Italian Stuffed Peppers, swap out the cumin and paprika for classic Italian seasonings. Incorporate fresh basil, dried Italian seasoning blend, and top with a blend of grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese for an authentic Italian-American taste.
- Alternative Tomato Bases: If canned tomato sauce isn’t on hand, don’t worry! You can use crushed tomatoes for a thicker, chunkier sauce, or opt for a store-bought jarred marinara sauce (check for low-sugar options) or even your own homemade marinara sauce for a fresh touch.
- Kick Up the Heat: For those who love a bit of spice, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce over the top before serving will transform this into a spicy stuffed pepper casserole. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process.
- Add More Grains: While cauliflower rice is used for a low-carb option, feel free to add cooked quinoa or even pre-cooked brown rice directly into the skillet during the last few minutes of simmering for a heartier, grain-inclusive version.
Simple Steps to Your Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Creating this flavorful and healthy unstuffed pepper skillet is incredibly straightforward, coming together in just a few simple steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can prepare a wholesome meal that tastes like it took hours!
- Brown the Meat: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a quick spray of olive oil cooking spray. Once hot, add your ground chicken (or chosen ground meat) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: To the cooked meat, add the diced yellow onion and diced bell peppers. Season the meat and veggie mixture generously with salt and the dried seasonings (cumin, paprika, and oregano). Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the bell peppers begin to soften, typically taking about 5-6 minutes. This step develops a rich flavor base.
3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the cauliflower rice and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, incorporate the tomato sauce and tomato paste, mixing well to ensure all ingredients are coated and the flavors are evenly distributed. This forms the delicious, rich sauce base for your unstuffed peppers.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer gently over low to medium heat for 8-10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The goal is for the sauce to thicken slightly and the vegetables to become tender-crisp, absorbing all the wonderful flavors.
5. Add the Cheese: Once the veggies are tender and the sauce is thickened, lay your slices of Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet again and allow it to cook for a few more minutes, just until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. This creates a delightful, gooey cap to your unstuffed peppers.
6. Garnish and Serve: Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Serve this delicious unstuffed pepper skillet on its own for a low-carb meal or enjoy it over a bed of fluffy cooked brown rice or any other grain you prefer. Enjoy your easy, flavorful, and healthy weeknight dinner!
What to Serve with This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
This healthy dinner recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to fit various dietary preferences. It’s an excellent low-carb option on its own, and perfect for those following a 2B Mindset eating plan. To transform this flavorful skillet into a complete and even more satisfying meal, consider these serving suggestions:
- With Grains: For a heartier meal that includes a carbohydrate, I absolutely love serving this unstuffed pepper skillet over a fluffy bed of brown rice. The nutty flavor and chewiness of brown rice pair perfectly with the savory skillet. Alternatively, long grain white rice or even quinoa are excellent choices.
- Unique Carb Bases: Get creative by serving the mixture inside a baked sweet potato, allowing its natural sweetness to complement the savory flavors. For a gluten-free twist, spoon it over your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Fresh Greens: To add a refreshing contrast and extra nutrients, pair your skillet with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A crisp Caesar salad or a garden salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber would be delightful.
- Creamy Toppings and Herbs: Enhance the flavor and texture with optional garnishes. I love to top mine with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. For a creamy finish, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a tangy coolness that balances the rich tomato base beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: If you’re not concerned about carbs, a side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips for Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
This unstuffed pepper skillet is not only a fantastic weeknight meal but also an excellent candidate for meal prepping, thanks to its superb storage capabilities. Preparing a larger batch means you’ll have delicious and healthy meals ready to go throughout your busy week.
Refrigerator Storage: Any leftover pepper skillet can be easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually tend to deepen and become even more robust after a day or two, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat portions in the microwave for a few minutes until warmed through, or gently warm it on the stovetop in a small pan over low heat.
Freezing for Later: For longer storage, this unstuffed pepper casserole freezes beautifully. Allow the skillet mixture to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe airtight containers or portioning it into individual servings using Super Cubes. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results and to maintain texture, thaw the frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw it directly on the stovetop in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
More Stuffed Pepper Inspired Recipes:
If you’re a fan of the flavors in this unstuffed pepper skillet, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious recipes that capture the essence of stuffed peppers in exciting new ways:
Classic Italian Stuffed Peppers
Comforting Stuffed Pepper Soup
Fun Mini Bell Pepper Nachos
We hope you love this easy unstuffed pepper skillet recipe as much as we do! Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating and a review in the comments section below. Your feedback means the world to us and helps other home cooks discover delicious, healthy meals!
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 lb Ground Chicken can sub ground beef or ground turkey
- ½ tsp salt plus more to taste
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 bell peppers diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ cups cauliflower rice
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
- 16 oz canned tomato sauce I use 2 (8 oz) cans
- 4 slices monterey jack or pepper jack cheese
- Optional garnish – fresh parsley
- Optional for serving – cooked brown rice
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium high heat, then add olive oil or olive oil cooking spray. Add in the ground chicken and cook, breaking the meat up, until the chicken is cooked through.
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Add onions and bell peppers and season meat and veggie mixture with salt and dried seasonings. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
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Stir in cauliflower rice and garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then stir in sauce and tomato paste.
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Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes. The sauce should be thickened and the veggies should be tender.
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Add in sliced cheese and cover until cheese melts. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alone or over cooked brown rice.
Notes
WW: 3 points (per serving) [Calculated using 98% ground chicken, tomato paste, and either type of cheese]
Nutrition