If you crave the savory, comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers—without all the fuss—the Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. This one-pan wonder brings together vibrant bell peppers, tender ground meat, aromatic spices, and a generous blanket of gooey cheese, all mingling over hearty rice for a cozy, colorful meal the whole family will devour. With a quick 30-minute timeline and minimal prep, it’s destined to become a regular rotation on your table!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet calls for simple, everyday ingredients that harmonize beautifully in the pan. Each one plays a key role—adding juiciness, spice, creaminess, or rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need (and how to make the most of each component):
- Ground beef or turkey (1 pound): The heart of the skillet, contributing protein and savory depth—choose turkey for a lighter twist or stick with beef for rich, classic flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds silkiness and helps sauté your veggies to perfection—don’t skimp, since this forms the flavor base.
- Small onion, diced: Provides subtle sweetness and an aromatic foundation that balances the peppers.
- Bell peppers (3, any color, diced): The stars of the show! Red, yellow, and green offer a patchwork of color and a natural sweetness that shines through when sautéed.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for big flavor—freshly minced will infuse the whole skillet with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Canned diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces, with juices): Delivers moisture, tang, and a bit of acidity for balance.
- Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): Blends everything together into a saucy, cohesive skillet meal.
- Cooked rice (1 cup): Hearty and satisfying, it absorbs all the wonderful flavors—this is a great time to use leftover rice!
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds the classic herbal notes you expect in stuffed peppers—think basil, oregano, thyme, and marjoram.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a hint of smokiness that elevates the dish to new heights.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient—taste and adjust if needed.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick that ties everything together.
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): The melty crown! Cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for stretch—or mix them for the best of both worlds.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A pop of fresh color and herby brightness for garnish just before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and bell peppers, letting them sizzle and soften for about five minutes. This first step fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma, plus it coaxes out the natural sweetness and vibrant color from the peppers and onions—essential for the Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet’s irresistible flavor base. Toss in the minced garlic and cook another 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Push the softened veggies to the side of the skillet to make room for your ground beef or turkey. Add it directly to the pan and use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Let it brown completely and cook through—this usually takes about 6–8 minutes, depending on your meat choice. If you see excess fat, go ahead and drain it off so your skillet doesn’t get greasy (especially if you’re using beef).
Step 3: Build the Saucy Filling
It’s time to layer in all those flavor-boosters! Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so everything is evenly mingled. Let this bright, hearty mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, which gives the flavors time to meld and the sauce to reduce ever-so-slightly, coating every grain of rice and colorful veggie.
Step 4: Blanket with Cheese
Once everything smells amazing and looks thickened, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the entire surface. Pop a lid on the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a dreamy blanket. You’ll know it’s ready because you’ll see those signature molten, cheesy bubbles!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and, if you’d like, scatter over a handful of chopped fresh parsley. The pop of green is both beautiful and fresh. Dish up generous portions while it’s still hot and gooey—this Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is best enjoyed straight from the pan!
How to Serve Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Garnishes
Go big on freshness with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or even a few slivers of fresh basil just before serving to brighten up each bite. If you want a little kick, red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate your Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet to bold new territory. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream on top makes it even more comforting!
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the table, serve with a crisp green salad, crusty bread for dipping (hello, cheese pull!), or simple roasted vegetables. Garlicky sautéed greens or classic steamed broccoli pair beautifully by adding an extra veggie boost without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
The Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is already charming served family-style straight from your skillet, but you can also portion it into individual oven-safe bowls, top with a little extra cheese, and broil briefly for a cheesy crust. For a fun, party-friendly riff, scoop small servings into bell pepper “cups” for a playful appetizer or lunchbox treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Let your Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to four days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy grab-and-go lunches during a busy week.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well! Allow it to cool fully, portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and stash in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The flavors actually deepen after freezing, so it’s a fabulous option for making ahead.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave until piping hot, or reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to revive the sauciness if needed. If you’re reheating a big batch, sprinkle a little fresh cheese on top just before serving for that freshly-melted effect.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty, wholesome texture to the Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, while cauliflower rice keeps things extra light and low-carb. If using uncooked rice or cauliflower, just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the skillet so everything blends easily.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the ground meat for canned lentils or finely chopped mushrooms. Both options add a hearty, satisfying texture and work wonderfully with the tomato and cheese. Just sauté them like you would the meat and continue as directed.
What’s the best cheese to use for maximum meltiness?
Mozzarella is the classic choice for stretchy, ooey-gooey results, but cheddar brings extra bold flavor. Using a blend of both gives you the best of both worlds—you’ll get creamy meltiness along with sharp, cheesy zing in every bite.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Sure thing! Use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative (look for one that melts well) and you’ll still enjoy all the cozy goodness of Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet without the dairy. You can also skip the cheese entirely, though it won’t be quite as, well, cheesy!
Is this Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet good for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for make-ahead meals! Since it reheats beautifully and holds up in the fridge, you can portion out servings for easy lunches or dinners all week long. You might even find the flavors get even better after a day or two as everything mingles.
Final Thoughts
Trust me—once you whip up this Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet, it will earn a permanent place in your comfort food lineup. It’s quick, colorful, cheesy, and endlessly customizable for any weeknight craving. Give it a try, and see how effortlessly it brings everyone around your table together!
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Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a delicious one-pan dinner that combines all the flavors of stuffed peppers without all the work. This easy weeknight meal is packed with ground beef or turkey, bell peppers, rice, and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
Ground Beef or Turkey:
1 pound
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Onion (diced):
1 small
Bell Peppers (any color, diced):
3
Garlic (minced):
3 cloves
Diced Tomatoes (with juices):
1 (14.5-ounce) can
Tomato Sauce:
1/2 cup
Cooked Rice:
1 cup
Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon
Smoked Paprika:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese:
1 1/2 cups
Parsley for garnish (optional):
chopped
Instructions
- Cook Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onion and bell peppers in olive oil until softened.
- Add Meat: Add garlic and ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, seasonings, and let simmer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and melt.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Great for using leftover rice.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Use a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg