Name: 30-Minute Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 green bell pepper, diced medium; 1 small white onion, finely diced; 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 24 ounce jar marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups beef stock; 1 cup long grain white rice (or Jasmine/Basmati); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish; Olive oil for drizzling

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Unstuffed Peppers are my jam. Instead of making stuffed peppers, I deconstructed them and made a 30-minute one-pot stuffed pepper skillet! This recipe combines all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers.

It includes ground beef, bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, mushrooms, and savory spices. They are all cooked together in a single pot! It’s a quick, comforting, mess-free dish.

30-Minute Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Why I love This Recipe

Feeding a family of 5 is no easy task. It’s the biggest complaint I hear from friends and family. Good news! There is a solution. The solution is meal planning and making simple recipes like this One-Pot Stuffed Pepper Skillet recipe!

It requires just one pot with a lid. I used my Dutch oven.
It hits plenty of food groups – vegetables, meat and rice! That’s one reason I love dinners like my One Skillet Ground Beef & Spinach Ravioli too.
It’s very flavorful. Between the spices, mix of vegetables and beef stock, this dinner does not skimp on flavor.
Great for leftovers. Make a double batch and reheat for lunch or dinner. My 30-Minute Lasagna Soup with Ground Beef is another one that reheats really well the next day.

The Ingredients

Ground beef – I use lean ground beef. If you use high-fat ground beef, drain some of the fat before adding the other ingredients.
Rice – I use long-grain white rice.
Bell peppers – Red or green bell peppers work best.
Mushrooms – I like adding diced mushrooms for flavor and heartiness.
Onion – A little onion flavors the dish.
Garlic – Garlic adds sweetness and flavor.
Marinara sauce – To keep things simple, I use a store bough marinara to help create a sauce.
Beef stock – Beef stock is used to help cook the rice.
Italian seasoning – Italian seasoning seasons the entire dish.
Salt and pepper – Salt and pepper help elevate the flavors.
Shredded mozzarella cheese – A little cheese on top adds a creamy texture! And who doesn’t love a little melted cheese?
Parsley – for garnish!

Fresh chopped celery, diced onions, shredded cheese, ground beef, sliced mushrooms, cooked rice, tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and beef broth arranged on a baking tray for a savory stuffed bell peppers recipe.

Instructions:

unstuffed peppers — First, cook the ground beef, onion, and mushrooms.

Ground beef and chopped onions cooking in a skillet for sweet and savory recipes. — First, cook the ground beef, onion, and mushrooms.

Tips for Success

Always read through the entire recipe before starting. This helps prevent mistakes.
Prepare all the ingredients ahead of time. Chop, measure, etc. This helps prevent mistakes and makes clean-up easier. I use the same approach for my One-Pot Ground Beef Taco Pasta because it makes busy weeknights feel so much easier.
Dice all the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Add the bell peppers before you simmer so they don’t get too soggy.
Taste for seasoning! Salt is important in this dish!
Do not overcook the rice. Check quickly after about 35 minutes of simmering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make unstuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe can be made the day before or the morning of. It’s very forgiving. Simply bring to room temperature, cover and store in the refrigerator.

How do I reheat unstuffed peppers?

It’s easy! In the microwave or in a pot with a lid over low heat. Just watch it so the rice doesn’t overcook.

What rice should I use?

I suggest using long-grain white rice. Other rice types that can be used are Basmati and Jasmine.

How long do leftovers last?

I suggest eating within 3 days of making.

Can I freeze unstuffed peppers?

Yes! Bring to room temperature and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

What type of meat can I use?

I suggest using lean ground beef. Other meats that would work well are ground sausage, ground turkey and ground chicken. Ground turkey and chicken will not be as savory due to the lack of fat. The end result will still be very tasty, though!

What can I serve with unstuffed peppers?

Crusty bread and a dinner salad would go so well with this recipe. And if your family loves cozy ground beef dinners, my Easy Beef Taco Skillet is another easy weeknight option.

Final Thoughts

With school starting around the corner, simple dinners are definitely a must. I mean, simple dinners are always a must, right?

I promise you that this Unstuffed Peppers recipe will become your new favorite weeknight meal. It checks so many boxes for me! It’s made in one pot, it’s hearty, kid-friendly, and great for leftovers.

I’ll definitely keep making this one because it helps me get dinner on the table without a ton of work. My 30-Minute Ground Beef Pasta with Peas and Vegetables is another dinner that saves me on busy nights.

Yield: serves 6