Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

This Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet is a quick, easy, and flavorful take on traditional stuffed peppers, all made in a single pan! This dish captures the savory taste of stuffed peppers—juicy ground beef, tender bell peppers, and rich tomato sauce—but without the fuss of stuffing each pepper individually. Instead, everything is combined in a skillet with rice and spices, resulting in a satisfying meal that’s ready in less than 45 minutes. It’s the perfect dinner for busy nights and a wonderful way to enjoy comforting flavors with minimal cleanup.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this delicious meal!

Stuffed peppers are a beloved classic, but making them can be time-consuming. This skillet version simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy the same rich flavors in a fraction of the time. Bell peppers are chopped and cooked along with ground beef, rice, and a tomato sauce mixture in one skillet, creating a dish that’s both hearty and packed with vibrant flavors. With this method, you get all the deliciousness of stuffed peppers with minimal effort—perfect for weeknight dinners!

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Dice the Vegetables: Start by dicing the onion and bell peppers into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
2. Mince the Garlic: Finely chop the garlic to release its flavor.
3. Shred the Cheese: Grate the cheese if it’s not pre-shredded, and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Measure Out Spices and Rice

• It’s helpful to have the seasonings, rice, and broth measured and ready so you can add them quickly when needed. This prevents any overcooking during the process.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Ground Beef

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onions and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
4. Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften.

Step 2: Add Rice and Seasonings

1. Stir in the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and mix it with the ground beef and vegetables. This allows the rice to soak up some of the flavors before adding liquid.
2. Season: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the mixture evenly.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer

1. Pour in Beef Broth: Add the beef broth and stir to combine. This will help cook the rice while adding rich flavor to the dish.
2. Add Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything well to ensure an even flavor.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and make sure the rice absorbs most of the liquid.

Step 4: Add Cheese

1. Top with Cheese: Once the rice is tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet.
2. Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Directly from the Skillet: For a rustic feel, serve straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Pair with a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with Italian dressing is a refreshing side that complements the dish.
• Bread on the Side: Serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Tips for Success

1. Use Lean Ground Beef: This prevents the skillet from becoming too greasy. If you’re using a higher-fat content, make sure to drain any excess grease.
2. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and onions provide the best texture and flavor.
3. Cook Over Low Heat: After adding the rice and liquids, maintain a low heat to prevent the rice from sticking or burning on the bottom.
4. Add Cheese Last: To keep the cheese gooey and melty, add it at the very end and cover for a few minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or crumbled tofu.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice, reducing the cooking time to about 5-10 minutes after adding the broth.
• Extra Veggies: Add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to increase the vegetable content.
• Mexican-Style Twist: Add black beans, corn, and a dash of cumin and chili powder for a Tex-Mex version.

Storage and Reheating

To Store

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To Reheat

1. Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems dry.
2. Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until hot.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet is a fantastic weeknight dinner that combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in a simple, one-pan recipe. It’s hearty, packed with nutrients, and ideal for families or individuals seeking a balanced and comforting meal. The combination of juicy ground beef, tender rice, and sweet bell peppers in a savory tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese, makes every bite irresistible. This dish is versatile, allowing for easy adjustments to fit dietary needs, and it’s also great for meal prepping or freezing for later.

Yield: 4

Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

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This Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet is a quick, easy, and flavorful take on traditional stuffed peppers, all made in a single pan! This dish captures the savory taste of stuffed peppers—juicy ground beef, tender bell peppers, and rich tomato sauce—but without the fuss of stuffing each pepper individually. Instead, everything is combined in a skillet with rice and spices, resulting in a satisfying meal that’s ready in less than 45 minutes. It’s the perfect dinner for busy nights and a wonderful way to enjoy comforting flavors with minimal cleanup.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
   
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
   
3. Add Rice and Seasonings:
   Stir in the uncooked rice, canned tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well.
   
4. Simmer Until Rice is Tender:
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
   
5. Add Cheese and Melt:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your one-skillet stuffed pepper meal!

Notes

• Rice Options: White rice cooks faster, but brown rice can be used for a nuttier flavor and added fiber; just increase the cooking time and liquid if needed.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.