Print

The Best Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Pan of unstuffed peppers

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This unstuffed pepper skillet recipe is cozy and comforting, and it can be on the table fast! Our version has lean ground turkey, peppers, and delicious spices topped with two kinds of cheese. This is a family-friendly recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground lean turkey
  • 1 yellow onion fine chop
  • 1 leek chopped
  • 3 red or yellow bell peppers – chopped
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 3 small garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 32 ounces Chicken Broth
  • 1 (15 oz.) can of plain tomato sauce
  • 1 and 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1 cup grated low-fat mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet and sauté 3 chopped bell peppers1 chopped leek, and 1 chopped yellow onion for 2-3 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, stirring often. Remove the veggies from the pan and set aside.
  2. Add 2 pounds of lean ground turkey meat to the same pan until the turkey is cooked through (no more pink). Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper. Stir until combined.
  3. Add the cooked veggies to the same pan. Add 32 ounces of chicken broth and a 15-oz can of plain tomato sauce.
  4. Add one and ½ cups of white long-grain rice. Stir until combined.
  5. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook for 15 minutes, loosely covered, until rice has cooked.
  6. Turn the heat off and sprinkle the top with 1 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese. Cover the pan until the cheese melts. Serve and enjoy! You can use more or less cheese, as desired. It’s also delicious without cheese.

Notes

Ingredient Notes

  • You can also use ground beef for this recipe.

Additions and Substitutions

  • Bell Peppers – Use any colored pepper you like or have on hand.
  • Serving – This is so hearty that we enjoyed it served in a bowl without a side salad!
  • Kids – If your kids don’t like Italian flavors, you can make this without the spices.
  • Are you not on a gluten-free diet? This recipe is perfect for both gluten-free and non-GF eaters! No substitutions are necessary.
  • Ground Turkey – This recipe can use ground chicken or lean ground beef.
  • Re-Heat – Re-heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop. If dry, add a little chicken broth.
  • Meal Prep – This is a great meal prep recipe your whole family will enjoy!
  • If you don’t have fresh garlic – I used a combination of fresh minced garlic and dried garlic. If you don’t have fresh minced garlic, replace it with a teaspoon of dried garlic.
  • Vegetarian – Make this recipe with butternut squash cubes instead of ground turkey.
  • Dairy -Free—Either skip the cheese or use DF cheese! I had mine cheese-free, and it was delicious!
  • Don’t love bell peppers – Use another veggie such as zucchini or yellow squash.
  • Special Notes for Gluten Free – Use gf shredded cheese and gf chicken broth. I always source gluten-free spices, especially spice blends.