Name: Unstuffed Peppers (Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 cups bell peppers, chopped (red, green, or any color); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup white rice (uncooked); 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love Unstuffed Peppers (Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers) Recipe

A one‑pan meal with minimal cleanup that still tastes like a classic comfort food favorite.
Flexible ingredient swaps let you make it dairy‑free, gluten‑free, or fit other eating styles.
Ready in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
½ cup diced onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 cups diced red (or orange/yellow) bell pepper
2 cups low‑sodium beef broth
15 oz canned tomato sauce
1 cup dry white rice
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium‑high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for about 10 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in the onion and garlic and sauté for another 3 minutes.
Add the bell peppers, beef broth, tomato sauce, rice, basil, oregano, parsley, and black pepper. Stir well.
Cover the pan and bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, cover, and cook on low heat until the cheese melts.

Servings and timing

Servings: Serves about 4 people.
Prep time: Around 10 minutes.
Cook time: About 35 minutes.
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

Dairy‑free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy‑free alternative.
Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant‑based ground substitute.
Different protein: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef.
Rice swap: Brown rice can be substituted, though it requires a longer cook time.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions until heated through or heat in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish, though rice may soften slightly when reheated. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What makes this different from traditional stuffed peppers?

This recipe cooks all the classic flavors together in one pan instead of stuffing the peppers and baking them, saving time and dishes.

Can I use minute rice?

Minute rice is not recommended because it cooks much faster and would throw off the liquid and cooking time balance.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead and store it in the fridge for quick reheating within a few days.

How do I adjust for more servings?

To serve more people, double the ingredients and use a larger skillet; just increase broth and rice proportionally.

Can I make it gluten‑free?

Yes — the base ingredients are naturally gluten‑free. Just check that broth and seasonings are certified gluten‑free if needed.

What cheese can I use?

Mozzarella is recommended, but provolone, cheddar, or any mild meltable cheese works well.

Can I add extra veggies?

Absolutely — add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Can I make this low‑carb?

Try using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower‑carb option.

Is this recipe freezer‑friendly?

Yes, it can be frozen, but rice texture may soften after freezing and reheating.

Does the dish reheat well?

Yes — it reheats well in both the microwave and oven when stored properly.

Conclusion

This Unstuffed Peppers skillet takes everything you love about classic stuffed peppers and simplifies it into a flavorful, one‑pan weeknight dinner. It’s adaptable, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep or family meals any night of the week.