Description

Skip the stuffing, but keep all the flavor—Unstuffed Peppers are a one-pan, quick dinner that’s loaded with hearty ground meat, tender bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. This easy dinner idea is everything you love about traditional stuffed peppers, simplified into a skillet-style meal. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or comfort food cravings, this healthy, gluten-free, family-friendly dish is ideal for anyone looking for wholesome dinner ideas without the extra work. It’s a go-to option for busy nights when you want something filling, colorful, and packed with protein.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 bell peppers, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1/2 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice (optional)

Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Shredded cheese, for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

3. Add diced bell peppers and cook for 4–5 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in oregano, basil, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

5. Cover, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and peppers are tender.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in cooked rice or cauliflower rice if using.

7. Garnish with parsley or green onions, and top with shredded cheese if desired.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Double the batch for meal prep—it keeps well in the fridge or freezer.

Use lean meat and drain fat for a lighter dish.

Don’t skip simmering—it deepens flavor and tenderizes the peppers.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1¼ cups (approx.)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: unstuffed peppers, easy dinner, quick recipe, healthy skillet meal, low carb, gluten-free dinner