Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Stuffed Pepper Skillet is your go-to solution for nights when you crave a comforting, colorful dinner without the fuss of stuffing actual peppers. This one-pan wonder brings together seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, hearty rice, and luscious tomato sauce, all finished with a bubbling layer of melty cheese. The dish is satisfying and nostalgic, but also incredibly easy to prepare and adaptable to your tastes—perfect for a busy weeknight or a leisurely family meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a starring role in building out the signature flavors and cozy textures of a Stuffed Pepper Skillet. With a few basic pantry staples and fresh produce, you’ll have dinner sizzling in no time!

• Ground Beef: Go for lean ground beef for maximum flavor and less grease, or swap for ground turkey to lighten things up.
• Bell Peppers: A rainbow of red, yellow, and green peppers adds crunch and bursts of sweetness to every bite.
• Onion: Chopped onion is the aromatic foundation that gives the skillet its rich, savory undertones.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts depth and delivers that impossible-to-resist aroma.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Juicy diced tomatoes create a saucy base and bring all the ingredients together.
• Tomato Sauce: For extra richness and that classic stuffed pepper flavor, don’t skip the sauce.
• Cooked Rice: White or brown rice soaks up all the juices and helps turn the skillet into a full meal.
• Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top is your shortcut to ooey-gooey goodness.
• Italian Seasoning: Just a touch infuses the dish with herby brightness—it makes all the difference.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.
• Olive Oil: A splash in the pan gets everything sizzling and golden.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until the onion turns translucent and your kitchen smells heavenly—this simple step sets up the whole base for your Stuffed Pepper Skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Dump in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Let the meat get a touch of caramelization because those browned bits at the bottom are pure flavor magic.

Step 3: Add the Bell Peppers

Stir in the diced bell peppers, tossing them with the beef and onion mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the peppers soften slightly but still keep some crunch, which adds that classic stuffed pepper texture.

Step 4: Pour in Tomatoes and Sauce

Mix in both the canned diced tomatoes and the tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to your taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld into a rich, golden-red sauce.

Step 5: Stir in Cooked Rice

Fold in the cooked rice, making sure it’s well integrated so every bite carries those saucy, savory flavors. Let everything bubble together for a few minutes—this is where your Stuffed Pepper Skillet really turns into comfort food central!

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle your chosen cheese evenly over the pan. Cover with a lid (or foil) and let the cheese melt to gooey perfection. If you’re feeling fancy, pop the whole skillet under a broiler for 2 minutes for some golden-brown bubbly edges.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Garnishes

For the perfect finish, shower your Stuffed Pepper Skillet with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil. A drizzle of hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream, also brings a fun zing to each plate—especially for those who like a little extra punch.

Side Dishes

This hearty skillet is a meal on its own, but simple sides make it extra special. Pair with crusty bread to mop up any saucy goodness, or serve steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad for a fresh, light contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

You can pile portions into individual oven-safe mini dishes for a personalized touch, or try stuffing leftover mixture back into halved bell peppers and baking for a playful, crowd-pleasing presentation. It’s also fantastic spooned over baked potatoes for a twist on the classic Stuffed Pepper Skillet experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cool the skillet to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerated Stuffed Pepper Skillet will stay fresh and tasty for up to four days—perfect for speedy lunches!

Freezing

This dish is a great freezer candidate. Let it cool completely before spooning into freezer-safe containers. Store for up to three months. Be sure to label and date your containers for easy grab-and-go meals later on.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave on medium until heated through, or warm larger portions gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring and adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Don’t forget to add a little extra cheese on top for that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.

FAQs

Can I make Stuffed Pepper Skillet vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based crumbles, or use cooked lentils or black beans. The dish still delivers that cozy, classic flavor with a meatless twist.

What type of rice works best?

White rice keeps things traditional, but brown rice, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice will work. Just make sure your rice is fully cooked before mixing it in for the best texture.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Of course! Mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn make delicious additions. This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to toss in whatever veggies you have on hand.

Is Stuffed Pepper Skillet gluten-free?

The base recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use plain rice and double-check your canned tomato products and seasonings. Just be cautious with store-bought sauces or spice blends if you’re cooking for someone with an allergy.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s very mild in its original form, keeping it family-friendly. If you like a little heat, add in crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños during the cooking process, or simply pass hot sauce at the table!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend giving this Stuffed Pepper Skillet a try enough—it’s simple, flexible, and packed with all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers… with none of the hassle. Grab your skillet, invite your favorite people, and watch it disappear!

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