High Protein Unstuffed Peppers | Easy 35 Min Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a flavorful, fuss-free weeknight dinner that packs a serious protein punch, this High Protein Unstuffed Peppers recipe is the answer. Ditch the tedious stuffing process and transform classic stuffed peppers into a hearty skillet meal—ready in just 35 minutes! This one-pan wonder delivers all the vibrant color, savory taste, and satisfying nutrition of traditional stuffed peppers without the extra steps.

Why High Protein Unstuffed Peppers are a Standout Choice

What makes this recipe a crowd pleaser? It’s the perfect balance of taste, health, and convenience. Lean ground turkey or beef, fiber-rich beans, and colorful bell peppers come together in a dish that’s both filling and vibrant. You get comforting flavors and textures reminiscent of the original, but in a deconstructed format that’s quicker to make—and just as satisfying.

The Secret to High Protein and Full Flavor

The protein in this dish comes from both ground meat and beans, which deliver satiety and muscle-building benefits. Quick sautéing ensures the peppers retain a slight crunch, while tomatoes and spices create a rich, savory sauce. A sprinkle of cheese at the end takes it from simple to sensational.

How to Cook Unstuffed Peppers—Simplified

Instead of prepping and stuffing each pepper, you simply chop and sauté the veggies, cook the protein, and simmer everything together in one pan. This method saves time, reduces cleanup, and lets the flavors meld beautifully as everything cooks together.

Serving Suggestions for High Protein Unstuffed Peppers

Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or shredded cheese. This meal stands alone yet pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a simple green salad for even more nutrition. Leftovers store well, making it a meal prepping superstar.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 hearty servings, each boasting roughly 32–35g of protein (depending on meat and beans used), and only about 350 calories per serving. High in fiber and low in saturated fat, it’s a smart choice for healthy eating.

High Protein Unstuffed Peppers (Recap)

If you crave the comfort of stuffed peppers with a fraction of the prep time, this easy skillet version delivers bold taste and plenty of protein—making it ideal for busy nights and healthy meal plans alike.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal planning!

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
2. Add ground turkey or beef. Cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes).
3. Stir in chopped bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until peppers begin to soften.
4. Add diced tomatoes (with their juices), beans, cooked rice or quinoa (if using), smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
5. Stir everything together and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, uncovered, allowing flavors to meld and any extra liquid to reduce.
6. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover until melted (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a meal prep powerhouse! Save and schedule this recipe to plan which days to make it and generate smart shopping lists that combine ingredients from all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically tallies ingredient quantities across your recipes
– Groups your shopping list by grocery aisle for smooth shopping
– Helps prevent duplicate buys and missed ingredients
– Makes meal planning faster, simpler, and more organized

Pro Tip: If you’re preparing multiple high-protein recipes for the week, schedule recipes together—CookifyAI will combine overlapping ingredients for maximum efficiency and less food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes