Low Carb Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet
If you’re craving the comfort of stuffed peppers without all the hassle (and carbs), this low carb unstuffed bell pepper skillet is your new best friend. It’s got all the savory flavors of the classic dish, but comes together in a single pan—no stuffing required. Think of it as a deconstructed version, just much quicker and easier to whip up.
With a cook time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you go with ground turkey or beef, the bold seasonings and cheesy finish make this skillet meal a total win. Oh, and it reheats like a champ, making it great for meal prep too.
Before you get started
Before you fire up the stove, you’ll want to prep your veggies—dice your onion, chop your bell peppers and cauliflower into small bits, and have your seasonings measured out. Using pre-chopped cauliflower rice can save you a step and still delivers great texture. This dish works with either ground turkey or ground beef, so pick your protein based on what’s in your fridge or what you’re feeling. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a skillet with a lid since this meal simmers for maximum flavor.
What You Need To Make Low Carb Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet
To bring this easy, flavor-packed meal to life, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples, ground meat, fresh veggies, and shredded cheese. All ingredient amounts and details are listed in the recipe card below. You’ll be using a mix of savory spices, tomato-based sauce, and chopped veggies to build layers of flavor. And that gooey cheese topping? It pulls the whole thing together beautifully.
How To Make Low Carb Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet
1
Start by heating avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté your diced onions until fragrant. Add the ground turkey or beef and minced garlic, and cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks.
2
Next, toss in the chopped bell peppers and cauliflower. Let them cook down for about five minutes to soften up. Then add all the dry seasonings, the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and the fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly, then cover the skillet and let it simmer for around 15 minutes.
3
Once the veggies are tender, sprinkle your mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the cauliflower is fully tender. Serve hot right from the skillet—no stuffing, just delicious.
Commonly Asked Questions
How can I store leftovers?
You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to eat.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yep. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
What other veggies can I add?
Zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms all work well here. Just chop them small so they cook evenly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Sure thing. Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well.
Low Carb Unstuffed Bell Pepper Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1/2 red onion diced
- 1 tsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- S&P to taste
- 1 tbsp Garlic & herb seasoning
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp worcheschire sauce
- 1 tbsp basil
- 1/2 tbsp oregano
- 1 bell pepper red yellow, or orange (or bag of small sweet peppers) chopped
- 1 bag of cauliflower chopped small
- 15 oz can of tomato sauce
- 15 oz can of diced tomatoes fire roasted
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese creamy melt
Instructions
- Cook onions with a tsp avocado oil, add in turkey ground meat and minced garlic
- Add in the bell peppers & cauliflower and let cook down for 5 minutes. Add in rest of seasonings, tomato sauce and diced tomatoe. Cover and let cook 15 minutes.
- Add cheese on top and cover and cook 10 more minutes until cauliflower is cooked through
