Easy One-Skillet Pizza Unstuffed Peppers: A Weeknight Family Favorite!
This Pizza Unstuffed Peppers Skillet is your new go-to recipe for a quick, comforting, and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner. Imagine all the deliciousness of classic stuffed peppers and a supreme pizza, but without all the fuss! If you love the idea of stuffed peppers but find the prep work a bit too much (like many of us do after a long day), then this deconstructed version is an absolute game-changer. Made entirely in one skillet, it combines savory ground beef, zesty pepperoni, vibrant bell peppers, rich tomato sauce, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese into a hearty meal that the whole family, even the pickiest eaters, will eagerly devour.
This fantastic recipe brings the beloved flavors of a supreme pizza right to your dinner table, all while masquerading as a wholesome, one-pot meal that can be on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s truly the best of both worlds – comforting, flavorful, and incredibly convenient for those busy evenings when time is of the essence.
Try These One-Skillet & One-Pot Wonders Next:
- Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini
- One Pot Swedish Meatballs and Noodles
- Shepherd’s Pie with Tater Tots
- Italian Chicken and Orzo
- Cajun Sausage Alfredo
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
The Magic of Pepperoni
What truly elevates this “unstuffed” dish from good to utterly irresistible? It has to be the pepperoni. There’s just something inherently enticing about those savory, slightly crispy slices. Is it their diminutive size, or simply the unparalleled taste of pepperoni itself? Whatever the reason, my family (especially the kids) can’t get enough of it. I often use turkey pepperoni, which adds a fantastic burst of flavor to this skillet meal without adding a lot of extra fat. The little pockets of flavor that the pepperoni brings truly mimic that classic pizza experience, making this a dish that disappears quickly!
The Genius of Pre-Cooked Rice: A Busy Cook’s Best Friend
This recipe utilizes pre-cooked long grain rice, which is one of my favorite kitchen hacks. I highly recommend making a large batch of rice at the beginning of the week and storing it. This way, you have it ready for dishes like fried rice, rice casserole, or bang bang chicken bowls. It’s an incredibly easy shortcut that saves valuable time when you’re pressed for it. If you’re a busy parent looking to streamline your meal planning and introduce more efficiency into your cooking routine, incorporating pre-cooked rice is a simple yet effective strategy to embrace.
Colorful & Nutritious Bell Peppers
When it comes to the bell peppers, feel free to use any color you like: green bell peppers, orange bell peppers, red bell peppers – they all work wonderfully in this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet recipe! I often buy a multi-pack for a beautiful variety of colors and a spectrum of subtle flavor differences. Bell peppers not only add fantastic flavor and a satisfying crunch but also a significant nutritional boost, being rich in vitamins A and C. Beyond the peppers, don’t hesitate to add other favorite pizza toppings such as sliced mushrooms, black olives, or even a sprinkle of oregano for an extra authentic pizza aroma.
Ultimate Convenience: Just One Skillet!
And let’s not forget one of the biggest selling points for any busy cook: just one dish to wash! That’s right, from browning the meat to simmering the sauce and melting the cheese, everything happens in a single pan. This significantly reduces cleanup time, making this one skillet dinner even more appealing for weeknights when you want to spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious meal and relaxing with your family.
Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor: What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Pizza Unstuffed Peppers Skillet is straightforward. Most of these items are likely staples in your pantry, making this a convenient recipe to whip up on a whim. The combination of fresh vegetables, savory meats, and classic pizza seasonings ensures a balanced and deeply satisfying flavor profile.
- 1 clove fresh garlic
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 bell peppers, any color (red, yellow, orange, or green)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef or ground turkey
- ½ 5 ounce package turkey pepperoni, cut into bite-sized pieces (or regular pepperoni)
- 1 15 oz. can Italian diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 15 oz. can pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups leftover cooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Pizza Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
1. Prepare Your Veggies: Start by mincing the garlic and dicing the onion and bell peppers into even, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook thoroughly and evenly.
2. Brown the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or ground turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains.
3. Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain any accumulated fat from the cooked meat. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy dish and keeps the flavors clean and bright.
4. Sauté Aromatics & Veggies: To the same pan with the browned meat, add the diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, dried basil, and ground pepper. Continue to cook and stir occasionally until the onions are softened and translucent, and the peppers have slightly tenderized, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Build the Sauce: Next, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), the pizza sauce, and the beef broth. Add the turkey pepperoni pieces. Stir everything well to thoroughly combine all the ingredients, ensuring the flavors marry together.
6. Simmer to Perfection & Add Rice: Place a lid securely on the skillet and turn the heat up to medium-high. Allow the broth to come to a full, rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture gently simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the peppers to tenderize further. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked rice until evenly distributed and heated through.
7. Melt the Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover again and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted into a bubbly, irresistible layer. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness before serving.
Pizza Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
Print
Rate
SaveSaved!
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers, any color, diced
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef or ground turkey
- ½ 5 ounce package turkey pepperoni, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 15 oz. can Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 15 oz. can pizza sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
-
Mince the garlic and dice the onion and bell pepper.
-
Add the olive oil and ground beef to a large skillet. Cook the beef over medium heat until it is fully browned.
-
Drain the fat from the meat.
-
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, basil, and pepper to the pan. Continue to cook and stir until the onions are soft.
-
Next, add the diced tomatoes (with juices), pizza sauce and beef broth and turkey pepperoni. Stir to combine.
-
Place a lid on the skillet and turn the heat up to medium-high. Allow the broth to come up to a full boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to low and let it continue to simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the cooked rice.
-
Sprinkle with mozzarella. Let sit 5 minutes or until the rice has heated through and mozzarella has melted. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the shredded mozzarella cheese. The dish will still be packed with flavor!
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
For an even richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the onions and peppers.
Recommended Products
Nutrition
Tips for the Best Unstuffed Peppers Skillet
- Choose Your Meat Wisely: Lean ground beef or turkey works best to avoid excess grease. If using fattier meat, ensure you drain the fat thoroughly after browning.
- Don’t Overcook the Peppers: You want your bell peppers to be tender-crisp, not mushy. They will continue to soften slightly during the simmering process, so be mindful not to over-sauté them initially.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried basil works perfectly, a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley at the end can brighten the flavors and add a beautiful garnish.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce before adding the rice and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Consider a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
- Cheese, Please!: While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to experiment with a blend of Italian cheeses, provolone, or even some sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Make It Your Own: Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about a one skillet meal like this is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Spice it Up!
For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the basil and black pepper. You could also include a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when you sauté the bell peppers for a bolder kick. A dash of hot sauce stirred into individual servings can also do the trick.
Veggie Boost
Want to sneak in more vegetables? This skillet is incredibly forgiving. Try adding diced zucchini, spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted), corn, or even some finely chopped carrots along with the bell peppers and onions. Black olives or sliced mushrooms are also fantastic additions that complement the “pizza” theme.
Different Grains
If white rice isn’t your preference, you can easily substitute it. Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or even a low-carb option like cauliflower rice (stirred in at the end to warm through) would work well. Remember to adjust liquid amounts if using uncooked grains that need to cook in the skillet, though the recipe as written is designed for pre-cooked rice.
Protein Alternatives
Instead of ground beef or turkey, consider using Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed) for an extra layer of flavor. Diced cooked chicken could also be incorporated, or for a vegetarian option, swap the meat for a can of drained and rinsed lentils, or a generous amount of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This Pizza Unstuffed Peppers Skillet is a satisfying meal all on its own, but you can easily round it out with a few simple sides:
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette: Perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato-based sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the skillet.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of broccoli or green beans adds extra nutrition and color.
- Side of Marinara: For extra dipping, if desired!
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This Pizza Unstuffed Peppers Skillet is excellent for meal prep, saving you even more time during busy weeks. Here’s how to best handle leftovers and prepare ahead:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Pizza Unstuffed Peppers Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It makes for a fantastic next-day lunch!
- Freezing: This dish freezes wonderfully. Allow the skillet to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual servings until hot.
- Advance Prep: To get a head start, you can chop all your vegetables (garlic, onion, bell peppers) ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. You can also brown the ground meat and store it separately. Cook your rice in advance, too! This way, when dinner time rolls around, the active cooking process is even faster.
FAQs about Pizza Unstuffed Peppers
Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious skillet meal:
Q: Can I use uncooked rice in this recipe?
A: The recipe calls for pre-cooked rice because it’s added at the end to simply heat through. If you wish to use uncooked rice, you’ll need to adjust the liquid content and cooking time significantly. For 1.5 cups of uncooked white rice, you would likely need to add an additional 2-3 cups of liquid (water or broth) and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, before adding the cheese. However, for a quick weeknight meal, pre-cooked rice is highly recommended.
Q: What if I don’t like bell peppers? Can I substitute them?
A: Absolutely! While bell peppers are key to the “unstuffed peppers” concept, you can certainly substitute them or add other vegetables. Good alternatives include zucchini, yellow squash, or even a mix of diced carrots and celery for a different flavor and texture. If you simply want the pizza flavors without the peppers, you can omit them entirely and increase other vegetables or meat.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, it’s easy to adapt this recipe for a vegetarian diet. Replace the ground beef/turkey with plant-based ground meat alternative. For a whole food option, use cooked brown or green lentils, or a combination of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit the pepperoni. You can also add more veggies like spinach or corn.
Q: How long does this dish last in the refrigerator?
A: When stored in an airtight container, the Pizza Unstuffed Peppers Skillet will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for lunch leftovers!
Q: Can I add other pizza toppings?
A: Yes, get creative! Sliced black olives, mushrooms, chopped onions, or even cooked sausage pieces would be delicious additions. You can also add a sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning for an extra layer of flavor. Just add them with the bell peppers or when you’re simmering the sauce.
This Pizza Unstuffed Peppers Skillet is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how delicious and simple weeknight cooking can be. Combining the hearty satisfaction of stuffed peppers with the universally loved flavors of pizza, all in a single pan, truly makes this a recipe worth adding to your regular rotation. Enjoy the minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
