Name: Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 0.5 lb ground beef; 0.5 lb ground sausage; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 large bell peppers (any color), diced (about 2 cups); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 0.75 teaspoon dried basil; 0.75 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.75 teaspoon onion powder; 0.75 teaspoon chili powder; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1.5 cups marinara sauce; 0.5 cup chicken broth; 1.5 cups cooked rice; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Fresh parsley, for garnish

If you love the cozy flavors of stuffed peppers but want a quicker, easier meal, this Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with vibrant tomato sauce — perfect for those busy weeknights.

A close-up view of a white enameled pan filled with a cheesy rice dish that has three visible layers: a bottom layer of rich red tomato sauce mixed with cooked ground meat and diced vegetables; a middle layer of cooked white rice with bits of carrots and green peppers; and a top thick layer of melted yellow and white cheese dotted with small green herb pieces. A black spoon is scooping some of the cheesy rice mixture from the pan, revealing the layers underneath. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with some green herbs blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this unstuffed peppers skillet! It’s like all the best parts of stuffed bell peppers without the extra fuss of hollowing and stuffing each pepper. Plus, it fills your kitchen with such an inviting aroma that your family will be asking for seconds — trust me.

All-in-One Skillet Meal: Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.
Balanced Flavors: Ground beef and sausage combine for a savory depth, brightened by tomato paste, spices, and fresh bell peppers.
Melty Cheese Topping: Cheddar and Monterey Jack make a gooey, bubbly crust that adds richness to every bite.
Family-Friendly & Filling: This recipe yields 6 generous servings — great for feeding a crowd or packing leftovers for lunch.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you gather your ingredients, here are a few shopping tips I’ve learned from making this dish over and over. Pick fresh, colorful bell peppers for a pop of sweetness, and try to get good-quality marinara sauce — it really makes a difference in flavor.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh ground beef, a small pile of fresh ground pork sausage, a small yellow onion whole and unpeeled, two large diced bell peppers (one red, one yellow), three whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red diced tomatoes with juice, a small white ceramic bowl of dark brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of deep orange Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth rich marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown raw long grain rice, a pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a pile of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: Adds hearty richness and pairs wonderfully with sausage for great flavor complexity.
Ground sausage: I love using Jimmy Dean’s regular sausage, but Italian varieties work too, depending on your spice preference.
Yellow onion: Provides a mild sweetness and savory base when sautéed.
Bell peppers: Diced into the skillet instead of stuffed, they soften nicely and keep the recipe simple.
Garlic: Minced for that essential aromatic punch that builds flavor.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce beautifully.
Dried basil, oregano, onion powder, chili powder: These spices blend to create that classic stuffed pepper seasoning you know and love.
Diced tomatoes (canned): Add juicy texture and freshness straight into the sauce.
Brown sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the tomato flavors.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret boost for savory depth and umami.
Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang to brighten the overall sauce.
Marinara sauce: I recommend using high-quality brands like Rao’s for the best taste.
Chicken broth: Adds a subtle richness and rounds out the sauce.
Cooked rice: Helps soak up the sauce and makes the dish extra satisfying.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and packs a flavorful punch.
Monterey Jack cheese: Its creaminess complements the cheddar perfectly for that luscious topping.
Fresh parsley: Just a sprinkle on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you want it spicier, lighter, or packed with even more veggies, there’s room to make it truly yours!

Go Meatless: Swap the ground beef and sausage for plant-based crumbles or a hearty mix of mushrooms and lentils. I tried this once for a friend who’s vegetarian, and the skillet still delivered on that comforting, savory flavor we all crave.
Switch Up the Peppers: Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for a colorful dish, or throw in some poblano or cubanelle peppers for a smoky twist. I like adding extra red pepper flakes if I’m using milder peppers:
Low-Carb Version: Instead of rice, try cauliflower rice to keep it lighter. I often make this for a quick keto-friendly dinner, and it holds up beautifully with the cheesy topping.
Cheese Lovers' Dream: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda. Once, I added a bit of feta crumbled on top after baking—it gave the skillet a tangy pop that surprised everyone at the table!
Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture if you love heat. I personally find that a pinch of smoked paprika alongside the chili powder elevates the overall flavor perfectly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a layered dish starting with a base of white rice. On top of the rice is a mix of browned ground meat and diced green and red bell peppers. The dish is covered with melted yellow and white cheese, which is sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a silver spoon on the bowl's right side, partially inserted into the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep for Success

First things first, set your oven to 375° F. Getting this ready early means you can pop the skillet in as soon as it’s topped with cheesy goodness. While the oven warms up, gather and measure out all your ingredients. This prep makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, so you’re not scrambling mid-cook. I like to dice my onions and bell peppers ahead of time — that way everything’s within arm’s reach when it’s go-time.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Add the ground beef, sausage, and diced onions to the pan. Using a wooden spoon, break up the meat while cooking until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy skillet. You’ll notice the smell of the meat mingling with the sautéed onions—that’s exactly the comforting aroma you want, signaling those flavors are building.

Step 3: Soften the Peppers and Bring on the Spices

Turn the heat down to medium, then toss in the diced bell peppers. Cook them for about 3 minutes until they just start to soften but still have a bit of crunch. This step keeps the peppers vibrant and ensures they hold their texture after baking. Next, add your tomato paste, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, onion powder, and chili powder. Stir continuously for around 2 minutes to let those spices bloom and become fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing, like a comforting Italian trattoria!

Step 4: Add the Tomato Mixture and Simmer

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything so the ingredients meld nicely together. Then add the marinara sauce and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. This simmering helps thicken the sauce and deepen the flavors. Give it a few stirs here and there to keep everything evenly combined.

Step 5: Mix in the Rice and Top with Cheese

Next, stir in your cooked rice to the skillet, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout. This is where the skillet starts looking like the comforting meal you imagined. Over the top, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, this is the time to transfer the mixture to a pre-greased baking dish.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy!

Place your skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling. The aroma of melted cheese and seasoned tomato sauce will soon fill your kitchen—trust me, it’s so inviting! Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve it up warm and watch your family dive in happily. This skillet recipe is pure comfort in a dish.

Top Tip

These pointers can really elevate your Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe and make your cooking experience smoother and more flavorful.

Use Quality Cheese: Shredding your own cheddar and Monterey Jack from blocks really makes a difference—melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded versions.
Balance the Meat: Combining ground beef and sausage adds a savory depth, but if you swap for all beef, remember to adjust seasoning to keep flavor vibrant.
Simmer Wisely: Letting the sauce simmer uncovered for the full 5 minutes really concentrates those rich tomato and spice flavors, so don’t rush this step.
Bake in an Oven-Safe Skillet: Using a skillet that can go from stove-top to oven means less mess and easier cleanup—win-win!

How to Serve Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe

A white round pot sits on a white marbled surface, shown in two stages of cooking. On the left side, the pot has three distinct parts: cooked ground meat with small bits of onion in the lower-right area, and fresh diced red and green bell peppers piled on the left side, all separated. A black spoon rests in the pot near the meat. On the right side image, the same pot holds a mixed and cooked dish, where the ground meat, diced red and green bell peppers, and chopped tomatoes blend together, showing a colorful mix of brown, red, and green with a soft texture. The black spoon is still in the pot, slightly covered by the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a simple but delightful garnish that adds a burst of color and a touch of brightness. You can also try a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream for some extra creaminess. For a bit of a spicy kick, a few sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce on top works wonders.

Side Dishes

This skillet dish is quite satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies can brighten up the meal. Garlic bread or warm cornbread also complement the cheesy, saucy flavors wonderfully—perfect for soaking up every last bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the flavors fresh and the texture just right for reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through — about 15-20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef and sausage for plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for heartiness.

What type of rice works best in this recipe?

White long grain rice is preferred for its texture and ability to hold flavors well. However, any cooked rice variety or even cauliflower rice can be used to suit your dietary preferences.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and shred cheese up to 2 days ahead. When ready, assemble and bake as directed for a quick, stress-free dinner.

Do I need an oven-safe skillet to make this recipe?

Not necessarily. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, just transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish before adding the cheese and baking. It’s just as delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe truly is a weeknight hero—simple, satisfying, and loaded with comforting flavors. It’s one of those dishes that feeds not just your appetite but your soul, bringing family and friends together around the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and don’t forget to make it your own with your favorite tweaks. Happy cooking!