High Protein Unstuffed Pepper Skillet with Rice (Easy 20 Minute Dinner)

This high protein unstuffed pepper skillet with rice is an easy 20-minute dinner made with ground beef, bell peppers, marinara, and fluffy jasmine rice. It’s a simple one-pan meal that’s perfect for healthy meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, and balanced weight loss-friendly meals. If you love easy ground beef recipes that are flavorful, filling, and family-friendly, this healthy Italian-inspired skillet recipe will quickly become a go-to.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Unstuffed Pepper Recipe

If you love classic stuffed peppers but want something faster and easier, this unstuffed pepper skillet with rice is the perfect solution.

It has all the same comforting Italian flavors—just made in one pan in about 20 minutes.

This recipe is:

  • High protein

  • Balanced with carbs + protein

  • Great for meal prep

  • Family-friendly

  • Simple and satisfying

Ingredients for Ground Beef, Rice & Pepper Skillet

This easy unstuffed pepper skillet is one of those healthy meals that feels comforting while still fitting into a balanced lifestyle. Made with ground beef, peppers, marinara, and rice

  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably grass-fed)

  • 1/2 red onion, diced

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

  • 1/4–1/2 jar marinara sauce

  • 1 bag Ben’s coconut jasmine rice (cooked)

  • Italian seasoning

  • Crushed red pepper

  • Salt and pepper

  • Fresh mozzarella slices

  • Fresh parsley

How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Skillet with Rice

A simple meal ready in just 20 minutes, this healthy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights the whole family will love.

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add ground beef, diced onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Cook until beef is browned and onions are softened.

  4. Drain excess grease if needed.

  5. Add diced bell pepper and cook for a few minutes.

  6. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper.

  7. Add cooked rice and mix until well combined.

  8. Transfer to a small baking dish.

  9. Top with fresh mozzarella slices.

  10. Broil on high for a few minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

  11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Loss & Fat Loss

Consistency is key, and recipes like this make it easier to stick to your goals. This dish is ideal for fat loss because it focuses on:

  • High protein → keeps you full longer

  • Fiber + nutrients from peppers and tomatoes

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you need a quick high protein dinner that doubles as meal prep, this unstuffed pepper skillet with ground beef and rice is the perfect recipe. It has all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a faster version that’s easy enough for any night of the week.

  • Stores well for up to 4 days

  • Reheats easily

  • Great for lunch or dinner

Just portion into containers for a quick grab-and-go meal.

Easy Variations

  • Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken

  • Use brown rice or cauliflower rice

  • Add zucchini or mushrooms

  • Make dairy-free by skipping cheese

What to Serve with This Dish

  • Side salad

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Garlic green beans

  • Extra herbs or lemon for freshness

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep and reheats well.

Can I freeze it?
Yes—freeze before adding cheese for best results.

Is this healthy for weight loss?
Yes—it’s high protein and balanced, which helps with fullness and consistency.

Final Thoughts

This high protein unstuffed pepper skillet with rice is the kind of meal that makes healthy eating feel easy. It’s simple, flavorful, and something you’ll actually want to eat all week.

Yield: 4-6
Author: Megan Porter
High Protein Unstuffed Pepper Skillet with Rice (Easy 20 Minute Dinner)

High Protein Unstuffed Pepper Skillet with Rice (Easy 20 Minute Dinner)

If you need a quick high protein dinner that doubles as meal prep, this unstuffed pepper skillet with ground beef and rice is the perfect recipe. It has all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a faster one pan version that’s easy enough for any night of the week.

Prep time: 2 MinCook time: 18 MinTotal time: 20 Min

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef, diced onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook until beef is browned and onions are softened.
  4. Drain excess grease if needed.
  5. Add diced bell pepper and cook for a few minutes.
  6. Stir in marinara sauce, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper and mix until well combined.
  7. Transfer to a small baking dish.
  8. Top with fresh mozzarella slices.
  9. Broil on high for a few minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

318

Protein

21 g

Net carbs

5 g

Cholesterol

81 mg

Fiber

2 g

Sat. Fat

9 g

Sugar

2 g
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