Satisfy your cravings with this Ultimate Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Delight, a flavorful one-pan meal that’s easy to make and packed with nutrition. Made with ground turkey or beef, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Click through for the full recipe and make this delicious comfort food today!
1 pound ground turkey or ground beef
1 large onion, finely diced
3 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green), diced into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, including all juices
1 cup cooked rice (or substitute with quinoa for a healthier variation)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (choose from cheddar, Monterey jack, or your personal favorite)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
![To make the best unstuffed pepper skillet, gather these key items: - 1 pound ground turkey or ground beef - 3 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green), diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, including all juices These ingredients form the hearty base of your dish. The ground meat gives protein, while the bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. The tomatoes bring moisture and flavor. To elevate the taste, add these flavor boosters: - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey jack, or your favorite) The Italian seasoning adds a herbaceous note. Smoked paprika gives it a warm, smoky flavor. Cheese melts beautifully on top, making every bite gooey and delicious. This dish can fit many diets. Here are some ideas: - Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option. - For a vegetarian alternative, swap meat with lentils or black beans. - To lower carbs, skip the rice or use cauliflower rice. These swaps make this dish versatile for everyone. You can enjoy it without worry, no matter your dietary needs. Check the full recipe for further guidance on these substitutions. Start by chopping your vegetables. Dice one large onion and three bell peppers. I like to mix colors for a fun look. Use one red, one yellow, and one green bell pepper. Next, cook your rice or quinoa. If you want to save time, use leftover rice. You need one cup of cooked rice or quinoa for this dish. Heat a good amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about three to four minutes until it turns translucent. Add two minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir for one minute until you smell the garlic's aroma. Now, turn up the heat to medium-high. Add one pound of ground turkey or beef. Cook it while breaking it up with a spatula. This should take about seven to eight minutes until the meat is brown and cooked all the way through. Toss in the diced bell peppers. Cook them for another three to four minutes. They should soften and gain some color. Next, stir in one can of diced tomatoes, including all the juices. Add your cooked rice or quinoa, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to spread the flavors evenly. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about five minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Evenly sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for two to three minutes. This helps the cheese melt into gooey perfection. When the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove it from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving hot. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the heat. Use medium heat while cooking the meat. This will help it stay juicy and tender. If you cook it on high heat, the meat can dry out. For the perfect cheese melt, cover the skillet after adding the cheese. This traps heat and helps the cheese melt evenly. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. You want that gooey, stretchy cheese! Serve your unstuffed pepper skillet with a side of crusty bread. The bread helps soak up the tasty sauce. A fresh green salad also pairs well with this dish. It adds crunch and freshness. If you want to make this a meal prep option, divide it into containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. You can reheat it easily for quick meals. Using fresh herbs can really boost the flavor. Chopped parsley or basil adds a bright taste. You can sprinkle them on top before serving. For spice lovers, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This gives your dish a nice kick. You can also switch up the spices to match your taste. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish easily. Ground turkey or beef is great, but you can use chicken or even plant-based options. If you want a meat-free meal, try lentils or chickpeas. Both add protein and texture. For grains, I suggest rice or quinoa. Quinoa is a healthful choice and cooks fast. You can also use farro or barley. Each grain brings a unique taste to the dish. To spice things up, add chili powder or cayenne pepper. This makes a spicy unstuffed pepper skillet that really wakes up your taste buds. You can also mix in jalapeños for an extra kick. If you're in the mood for something different, try a Mediterranean twist. Add olives, feta cheese, and a splash of lemon juice. These ingredients brighten the dish and offer a fresh flavor change. Incorporate seasonal vegetables for a fresh taste. In spring, use asparagus or peas. In fall, add squash or sweet potatoes. These veggies not only taste good but also make the dish colorful. Don't forget fresh summer herbs! Basil, parsley, or cilantro can enhance the flavors. Just sprinkle them on top before serving. They add freshness and a pop of color to your unstuffed pepper skillet. For the full recipe, check out the Ultimate Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Delight! To keep your unstuffed pepper skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. Make sure it cools down first to avoid condensation. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Divide the dish into smaller portions for easy thawing later. This way, you can enjoy it whenever you want! When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, the best method is using the stove. Heat it in a pan over low heat, stirring often. This keeps the flavors rich and the texture nice. If you’re short on time, the microwave works, too. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid hot spots and keeps the dish tasty. In the fridge, your unstuffed pepper skillet lasts about three to four days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you see mold or an off smell, it’s best to throw it away. Keeping an eye on your leftovers ensures you enjoy them safely! How to make this dish vegetarian? To make this dish vegetarian, swap the ground turkey or beef for plant-based meat. You can use lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. These options add protein and texture. Keep the rest of the recipe the same. Can I use frozen vegetables instead? Yes, frozen vegetables are a great time saver. Use a mix of frozen bell peppers and onions. Just add them directly to the skillet. They will cook down nicely and still taste great. Why is my unstuffed pepper skillet watery? A watery dish usually means too much liquid. Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes well. Also, if you use fresh peppers, they add water. Cook them a bit longer to reduce the moisture. Adjustments for a thicker consistency To thicken the dish, add a bit more rice or quinoa. You can also let it simmer longer to cook off excess liquid. Another option is to stir in a spoonful of tomato paste. It thickens and enhances the flavor. How to alter serving sizes To change the serving size, adjust the main ingredients. For example, use half a pound of meat for two servings. You can double everything for eight servings. Just keep the ratios the same. Quantity adjustments for meal prep For meal prep, make a large batch. Use full amounts of ingredients and store in portions. This way, you have ready meals for the week. Just reheat when you are ready to eat. Check the [Full Recipe] for exact measurements. This blog post covered how to make a tasty unstuffed pepper skillet. We explored the key ingredients like ground turkey, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. You learned methods for preparation and cooking, along with helpful tips for serving. We shared variations and ways to store leftovers effectively. In summary, this dish is flexible and easy to make. You can adjust it to fit your needs. Try different flavors and ingredients to keep it exciting. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this recipe!](https://tastednest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/e5810796-e06a-41f8-9b8e-7eb68da968a6-300x300.webp)