This one-pan meal delivers all the savory flavor of classic stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time and effort. If you love the taste of stuffed peppers but not the fuss of making them, this keto unstuffed peppers recipe is for you. It is a simple, gluten and dairy-free (optional) dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This deconstructed version has all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers but takes half the effort and time.
- One-Pan Meal: Less mess and easy cleanup make this recipe a winner.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences.
- Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping and enjoying later.
- Keto-Friendly: With just 5 net carbs per serving, it fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious keto unstuffed peppers recipe:
- Ground Beef: I typically buy grass-fed, grass-finished organic lean ground beef. Ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground lamb can also be used.
- Bell Peppers: Any color will work just fine in this unstuffed pepper skillet! Green bell peppers, red bell peppers, orange bell pepper, or yellow bell pepper will work just fine.
- Cauliflower Rice: I prefer frozen vs. fresh. It has a better texture. If you want to use regular white rice or long grain rice in this recipe, I recommend cooking 1 cup uncooked rice in 1 3/4 cup chicken broth for the ultimate flavor. Stir it into the skillet instead of using cauliflower. You can also use instant rice as a good substitute for cauliflower rice.
- Nutritional Yeast: I get this at Trader Joe’s. It gives dishes a “cheesy” flavor without the dairy. It is basically inactive yeast and is Whole30, gluten-free, paleo, etc.
- Coconut Aminos: This is a gluten free alternative to worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.
- Onion: Adds flavor and depth to the dish.
- Garlic: Essential for that classic Italian flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: I like Rao's Homemade brand.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- Sea Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat (optional).
- Cheese: Mozzarella and parmesan cheese add a gooey, cheesy goodness (optional).
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Meat: Ground beef is the most common choice, but ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even Italian sausage can be used.
- Rice: While this recipe uses cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, you can substitute with regular cooked white or brown rice if preferred.
- Bell Peppers: Feel free to use any color of bell pepper you like. Green peppers have a slightly bitter taste, while red peppers are the sweetest.
- Cheese: If you're not dairy-free, feel free to add your favorite cheese on top for extra flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan are all great options.
- Herbs: Fresh oregano adds an earthy flavor. Feel free to substitute with dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
Equipment
- Large skillet (a cast iron skillet is recommended)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet (I prefer a cast iron skillet) over medium heat. It helps to use a deep skillet so you have room for everything. Add the pound of ground beef and brown ground beef for 5-7minutes until mostly cooked through. Remove from pan using a slotted spoon, and set aside. Remove excess fat from the pan.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add another tbsp of olive oil to the hot pan and add diced bell pepper, diced onion, and garlic. Saute until they begin to become translucent. Add in the riced cauliflower along with the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and nutritional yeast or parmesan. Sautee until the rice begins to soften, then add the ground meat back into the pan.
- Simmer: Add the jar of marinara sauce, stir to combine, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If adding cheese on top, sprinkle parmesan cheese & shredded cheese on top and cover for 5 minutes to let it melt over low heat.
- Serve: Serve this unstuffed pepper skillet with fresh basil or parsley on top.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Unstuffed Peppers
- Don't Overcook the Cauliflower Rice: Be careful not to overcook the cauliflower rice, as it can become mushy.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more or less salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Make it Cheesy: For extra flavor, add a layer of shredded cheese on top of the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Use a Large Skillet: A 12-inch skillet is recommended to ensure that all the ingredients fit comfortably without spilling over the sides.
- Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Brown the beef with the seasonings first to make sure it cooks through properly. You could drain the fat after the beef is done. I personally prefer not to.
Serving Suggestions
This keto unstuffed pepper skillet is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- A simple green salad
- Cauliflower mash
- Zucchini noodles
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Simply store your leftover unstuffed pepper skillet in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 4 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and throw it on the skillet to warm it up!
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet.
- Cheesy: Add extra cheese on top of the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans.
- Different Vegetables: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the skillet.
Nutritional Information
All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While I fact check them using My Fitness Pal, please note that they may not always be 100% accurate and depend on ingredients used.
Is This Recipe Healthy?
While healthy means something different to everyone, this is a nutrient-rich option. Ground beef provides several important nutrients. It's an excellent source of protein, meaning it provides 25 grams of protein per 3 ounces. It also provides a significant amount of vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. Bell peppers are a nutrient-dense, low-calorie ingredient. They provide dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins A & C, and potassium. And rice provides carbohydrates, your brain's preferred energy source!
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