Name: Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet with Cheese 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; Salt and pepper, to taste; 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 (preferably white long grain); 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded; Fresh parsley, to garnish

If you love the comfort of stuffed bell peppers but want something quicker and easier, this Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet with Cheese Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine all those classic flavors piled into one hearty skillet, ready in just an hour—easy weeknight magic!

The image shows a round white pot filled with a baked dish that has three distinct layers. The bottom layer is a thick red sauce mixed with rice and small pieces of vegetables like red and green peppers. The middle layer contains chunks of browned meat mixed in with the rice and vegetables. The top layer is a thick, melted cheese with yellow and white colors, covering the entire surface and sprinkled with small green herb bits. A black spoon scoops a portion out from the center, showing the melted cheese stretching lightly over the mixed rice and meat beneath. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with some green leafy garnish nearby. 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 with Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet with Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet with Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I’m racing against the clock but still crave that cozy, homemade feel, this skillet meal hits all the right spots. It’s savory, cheesy, slightly tangy, and delivers big on family-friendly satisfaction.

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
Loaded with Flavor: The combo of ground beef and sausage gives it a savory, rich taste you won’t forget.
Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in just 1 hour—perfect for busy weeknights.
Cheesy and Comforting: Melty cheddar and Monterey jack make every bite irresistible.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start chopping and cooking, gather fresh, good-quality ingredients for the best results. I always recommend a mix of meats and fresh vegetables, plus flavorful spices and sauces to keep this dish exciting yet simple.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground beef in a compact mound, raw ground sausage formed neatly, a whole small yellow onion with smooth skin, two whole bell peppers—one red and one green—whole and glossy, three whole garlic bulbs with a few cloves separated, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl containing mixed dried herbs (basil, oregano, chili powder, onion powder) in finely ground form, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant diced fresh tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden brown sugar crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with glossy Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with clear golden chicken broth, a white ceramic bowl containing fluffy cooked white long grain rice, a small neat pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a small neat pile of shredded creamy white Monterey Jack cheese, and a few fresh green parsley sprigs arranged symmetrically—all 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 robust, meaty flavor and a satisfying texture to the skillet.
Ground Sausage: Gives savory complexity and a hint of spice that balances the dish.
Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Bell Peppers: Any color works; they bring freshness and a subtle crunch when lightly cooked.
Garlic: Boosts aroma and gives a little kick that wakes up all the flavors.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.
Dried Basil, Oregano, Onion Powder, Chili Powder: Classic spices that create a balanced and comforting flavor profile.
Diced Tomatoes (undrained): Bring moisture and a fresh tang to the dish.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances acidity.
Worcestershire Sauce: A savory umami boost that deepens the taste.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a touch of tangy sharpness for complexity.
Marinara Sauce: Use a high quality one for best flavor and richness.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moistness to the rice and sauce without overpowering the beef flavor.
Cooked Rice: The hearty base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it brings cheesy comfort to every bite.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Smooth melting cheese that pairs beautifully with cheddar.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the finished dish with a pop of color and freshness.

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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 with Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you're swapping proteins, playing with spices, or adjusting the cheese, you can make it perfectly yours with just a few tweaks.

Go Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and sausage, and add extra bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a can of black beans for protein. I’ve tried this with sautéed mushrooms and it adds a lovely earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Spice it Up: For those who love some heat, try adding diced jalapeños with the bell peppers or swap out the chili powder for cayenne pepper. A dash of hot sauce on top after baking is also a simple fix for me when I want extra kick.
Seasonal Swaps: In cooler months, I love adding a handful of chopped kale or spinach towards the end of cooking for some added greens. In summer, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste.
Rice Alternatives: I sometimes swap white long grain rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to keep it lighter or fit specific dietary needs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Cheese Choices: Mixing cheddar and Monterey Jack gives a creamy, melty top, but you can experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for a bit of spicy cheese flavor.

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

The image shows a bowl of cheesy rice and ground meat dish with several layers. The bottom layer is white rice mixed with small pieces of red and green bell peppers, covered by a thick mixture of cooked ground meat and diced vegetables in a rich reddish-orange sauce. On top, there is a generous layer of melted yellow and white cheese, sprinkled with small green herbs. A silver spoon rests on the right side inside the white bowl, which is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth and green herbs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 375° F so it’s ready when you are. Having all your ingredients measured and within reach makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free. Nothing feels better than jumping straight into cooking without hunting for a missing spice or ingredient halfway through!

Step 2: Brown Your Meats and Sauté Onions

Season the ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper, then heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add both the ground beef and sausage along with the diced onion. Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, breaking the meat apart as it browns evenly. You’ll want to cook until there are no more pink bits and the onions are soft. Don't forget to drain the excess grease so your skillet isn’t greasy!

Step 3: Soften Bell Peppers and Build Flavor

Turn the heat down to medium and toss in your diced bell peppers. Cook them for about 3 minutes so they start to soften but still have a little bite. Add the tomato paste, minced garlic, and spices—dried basil, oregano, onion powder, and chili powder. Stir continuously and cook for another 2 minutes. This step really wakes up the flavors, and you’ll notice the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes and Sauces

Next, pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything so it’s well combined. The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully, and those little sauce additions bring in depth and a subtle tang you won’t want to skip.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Add the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then bring the skillet mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to avoid sticking and to allow the flavors to meld together. This simmering step is key to building that rich, comforting taste.

Step 6: Add Rice and Cheese, Then Bake

Stir in the cooked white rice evenly throughout the mixture. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses on top. Transfer your skillet (or move the mixture to an oven-safe dish) into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling deliciously.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy!

Once your skillet comes out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Serve it hot, maybe with a simple side salad or crusty bread, and watch everyone dig into this cheesy, hearty, one-skillet meal.

Top Tip

Mastering the Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet with Cheese Recipe becomes so much easier with a few simple tricks. These tips will ensure your dish turns out flavorful, cheesy, and perfectly textured every time.

Use a High-Quality Marinara: I’ve found that choosing a rich marinara like Rao’s or Carbone really elevates the sauce, giving the whole skillet deeper, more authentic flavor.
Cook Rice in Broth: Steaming the rice in chicken broth instead of water adds just the right amount of savory background taste that complements the meats and peppers beautifully.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Whenever possible, shred cheese from a block—pre-shredded cheeses just don’t melt as well or taste as fresh.
Avoid Overcooking the Peppers: Softening diced bell peppers for just 3 minutes keeps them tender yet still slightly crisp, preventing a mushy texture in the final dish.

How to Serve Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet with Cheese Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side views of a white pot on a white marbled surface. In the left view, the pot contains two sections: on the left side, small diced red and green bell peppers create a colorful, fresh-looking pile; on the right side, browned ground meat mixed with small pieces of cooked onion forms a textured brown layer. A black spoon rests on the right side of the pot, partially submerged in the meat. In the right view, the contents are mixed together, forming a chunky, warm dish with a mix of brown ground meat, diced red and green bell peppers, and small pieces of tomato, creating a colorful, hearty texture. The black spoon remains in the same position. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a subtle, fresh herbal note that balances the rich, cheesy skillet perfectly. You can also try a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

This dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad—think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette—or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli really completes the meal. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also fantastic for sopping up any extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a convenient and tasty leftover lunch or dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze the unstuffed bell pepper skillet in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best results, cover with foil and bake in a 350° F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is bubbly again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use only ground beef instead of mixing with sausage?

Absolutely! Using all ground beef is fine and simplifies the recipe. Just keep in mind the sausage adds extra savory depth, so taste and adjust salt and seasoning as needed.

What type of rice works best in this recipe?

White long grain rice is preferred for its texture and ability to soak up flavors. However, you can substitute with other varieties or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and shred the cheese up to 2 days in advance. When ready to serve, assemble, cover, and bake for 18 minutes, then bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.

Is it necessary to bake the cheese on top?

Baking melts the cheese to a delightful bubbly finish, but if you’re short on time, adding cheese and allowing it to melt on the stovetop over low heat works too—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

This Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet with Cheese Recipe is a true weeknight winner—rich, comforting, and packed with wholesome flavors that bring the whole family to the table. I love how easily it comes together in just one hour, making it perfect when you want something satisfying without fuss. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this skillet meal will quickly become one of your go-to dinners. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy all the cozy goodness in every bite!