Name: Unstuffed Peppers 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, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 0.75 teaspoon dried basil; 0.75 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.75 teaspoon onion powder; 0.75 teaspoon chili powder; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1.5 cups marinara sauce; 0.5 cup chicken broth; 1.5 cups cooked rice (preferably white long grain); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Fresh parsley, for garnish

If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers but want a quicker, fuss-free meal, then this Unstuffed Peppers Skillet with Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a cozy, cheesy skillet dinner that packs savory meat, tender bell peppers, and hearty rice all in one pan.

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 Peppers Skillet with Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Unstuffed Peppers Skillet with Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Unstuffed Peppers Skillet with Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I love how this skillet comes together with minimal mess and maximum flavor. The combo of ground beef and sausage gives it a deep, savory richness, while the melted cheddar and Monterey Jack add that irresistible cheesy finish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup super easy.
Flavor-Packed: The blend of seasonings and tomato-based sauce hits all the right savory notes.
Family-Friendly Comfort: It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Use any bell pepper color and swap in your favorite sausage for varied flavors.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When I pick ingredients for this unstuffed peppers skillet, I aim for simple but flavorful staples that come together effortlessly. Here’s a little insight into why each one makes the difference for this delicious dish.

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: Provides hearty, savory depth and pairs beautifully with sausage.
Ground sausage: Adds a rich, slightly spiced flavor that elevates the dish.
Yellow onion: Gives a sweet, aromatic base that softens as it cooks.
Bell peppers: Your main veggie here — colorful, tender, and mildly sweet after cooking.
Garlic: A must-have for that punch of flavor that complements the meat and sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings all the ingredients together nicely.
Dried basil, oregano, onion powder, chili powder: Classic herbs and spices that build a rich, Italian-inspired flavor profile.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Brown sugar: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a tangy complexity.
Dijon mustard: For a slight tang and depth that isn’t overpowering.
Undrained diced tomatoes: Brings freshness and texture with their juicy burst.
Marinara sauce: The foundation for a rich, tomato-based sauce; quality matters here!
Chicken broth: Enhances flavor complexity and keeps everything moist.
Cooked rice: Adds bulk and soaks up the sauce, making the skillet satisfying and filling.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and flavorful, it brings classic cheesiness to the dish.
Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy meltability and a mild contrast to sharp cheddar.
Fresh parsley: A simple garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

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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

One of the best things about this Unstuffed Peppers Skillet with Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes and pantry. Feel free to experiment with different meats, cheeses, or even seasonings to make it truly your own!

Meat Options: While I use a mix of ground beef and sausage for that perfect savory combo, you could swap the sausage out for turkey sausage or omit it altogether for a simpler ground beef version. I’ve tried the recipe both ways, and it still tastes amazing — just adjust the salt to your liking.
Cheese Variations: I love the creamy melt of cheddar and Monterey Jack, but you can mix things up with mozzarella for a stringier pull or pepper jack for a little spice. Using freshly shredded cheese makes a noticeable difference in melt and texture.
Seasoning Tweaks: Want a little extra heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or swap in spicy Italian sausage. For a fresher, herby flavor, toss in some chopped fresh basil or cilantro right before serving.
Rice Substitutes: White long grain rice works beautifully, but I’ve also made this dish with cooked quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly if making from scratch.
Make-Ahead Friendly: I often prep the meat mixture and shred the cheeses ahead of time—keeps dinner stress-free on busy nights. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat and enjoy that gooey melted cheese moment!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Unstuffed Peppers Skillet with Cheese 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

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, take a moment to measure and dice all your ingredients. Having everything ready to go helps the cooking process go smoothly without scrambling, especially when you’re multi-tasking dinner prep!

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions

Season your half pound of ground beef with salt and pepper, then toss it into a large skillet over medium-high heat along with the ground sausage and diced onion. Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally until fully browned. When the meat’s nicely caramelized and cooked through, drain off any excess grease for a leaner skillet meal.

Step 3: Soften the Peppers and Build Flavor

Turn the heat down to medium, add the diced bell peppers to the pan, and let them cook for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Then stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, and all the dried herbs and spices: basil, oregano, onion powder, and chili powder. Keep stirring and cooking for another 2 minutes to really meld those flavors together — you’ll start smelling that wonderful garlic-herb aroma taking over your kitchen.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Next, pour in the undrained canned diced tomatoes along with the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything well so the seasonings evenly coat the meat and veggies, creating a rich and slightly tangy base for your skillet dish.

Step 5: Simmer With Marinara and Broth

Mix in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then crank the heat up just until the mixture boils. Immediately reduce the heat and let everything simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, giving the sauce a chance to thicken slightly while you stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom. This step is key for building that savory depth.

Step 6: Stir in Rice and Top with Cheese

Now it’s time to add your cooked rice into the skillet and mix it evenly throughout the saucy meat and peppers. Spread the combined mixture out evenly, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top. You’ll love how the melty cheese crowns this dish with gooey goodness.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbling and Delicious

Carefully transfer your skillet to the preheated oven (or pour the mixture into an oven-safe dish if your skillet isn’t oven-friendly). Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until the cheese on top is perfectly melted and bubbling. That golden, bubbly cheese is your signal that dinner is ready to enjoy!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. Grab a spoon, dig in, and savor this comforting, cheesy, one-skillet wonder—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet easy.

Top Tip

Making the perfect Unstuffed Peppers Skillet with Cheese Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures thoughtfully. These little tips have made my recipe journey easier and tastier—hope they help you too!

Use a mix of ground beef and sausage: I’ve found that this combo adds a delicious savory depth that plain ground beef can’t quite match. If you prefer all beef, just remember to taste and adjust salt since sausage brings its own seasoning.
Sear your meat well: Browning the meat thoroughly not only builds flavor but also helps reduce excess grease, keeping the skillet less oily and more balanced.
Freshly shred your cheeses: Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can affect melting. I always shred cheddar and Monterey Jack from blocks—it melts smoother and tastes fresher.
Don’t skip simmering the sauce: Those 5 minutes of simmer let the spices and tomato paste meld beautifully with the broth and marinara, creating a rich, comforting base.

How to Serve Unstuffed Peppers Skillet with Cheese 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

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the skillet. If you want a little extra zing, a few sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream on top also work beautifully. For a smoky edge, a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper over the cheese can be a fun twist.

Side Dishes

This skillet is a hearty one-pan meal, but if you want to round out the plate, consider serving it with a crisp green side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or some garlic roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Crusty bread or garlic breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, making every bite satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in airtight containers and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. This keeps your dish fresh and ready to reheat for a quick second helping.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just label with the date so you know when to enjoy it by. Freezing works wonderfully with this recipe and preserves that cheesy, comforting goodness.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first, then bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly again. Adding a little extra shredded cheese on top before reheating can bring back that fresh-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The Unstuffed Peppers Skillet with Cheese Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your sausage and marinara sauce labels for any gluten-containing additives. Use certified gluten-free products to be safe.

What’s the best type of rice to use?

White long grain rice works best because it cooks up fluffy without stickiness. You can also use cooked brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option without sacrificing texture.

Can I prepare the skillet ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the meat and pepper mixture as well as shred the cheeses up to two days ahead. Store separately in the fridge and bake just before serving for best results.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and follow the rest of the recipe as is.

Final Thoughts

This Unstuffed Peppers Skillet with Cheese Recipe is one of those cozy, comforting dishes that always hits the spot, especially after a busy day. Its blend of savory meat, tender peppers, and melty cheese makes dinner both easy and delicious. I hope it becomes a regular in your meal rotation—simple to prepare and full of flavor every single time!