Dinner

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet with Ground Beef and Rice Recipe

Name: Unstuffed Pepper Skillet with Ground Beef and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended); 3 medium bell peppers, diced (about 1 lb); 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 5 oz); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cooked white long-grain rice (about 6.7 oz); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt); 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional); Red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spice; Sour cream, avocado, or green onions for serving

Byluca Carter March 24, 2026March 24, 2026

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Introduction

This Unstuffed Peppers recipe is a quick and hearty twist on the classic stuffed pepper dish. Combining ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and flavorful tomato sauce, it offers all the comforting tastes without the hassle of stuffing. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of soft, chopped cauliflower rice, topped with a thick layer of cooked ground meat mixed with tomato sauce, covered in melted orange cheddar cheese, and garnished with small diced red and yellow bell peppers and chopped fresh green parsley, a silver fork placed on the side, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
3 medium bell peppers, diced (about 1 lb)

1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 5 oz)
3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cooked white long-grain rice (about 6.7 oz)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional)

Optional: red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spice

Instructions

Step 1: Prep your ingredients by dicing the bell peppers and onion, mincing the garlic, and having cooked rice ready. If using leftover rice, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent and the peppers soften slightly but still have a bit of crunch, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika if using, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the flavors evenly. Fold in the cooked rice until it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover the pan and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes on the stove, or place the pan under a broiler for 1 minute if oven-safe.
Step 8: Serve the unstuffed peppers warm. For added flavor, garnish with optional toppings such as sour cream, avocado slices, or chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover rice or cook fresh rice ahead of time to save cooking time.
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.

Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or feta for varied flavor.
To keep the peppers firmer, reduce cooking time for the diced bell peppers.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if the mixture seems dry.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white cauliflower rice, topped with a layer of seasoned ground meat mixed with diced red bell peppers. Over the meat, there is a generous layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese, sprinkled with small bits of chopped red onion and finely chopped green parsley. The texture of the meat is crumbly, and the cheese looks gooey and smooth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before serving and add cheese just before reheating for best results.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

This recipe freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.