Stuffed Pepper Skillet

June 25, 2021

A spoon scoops Stuffed Pepper mixture from a skillet with overlay text.

The flavors you love in traditional stuffed peppers are all here in this easy Stuffed Pepper Skillet. You can have this satisfying meal on the table in 30 minutes!

A skillet filled with stuffed pepper mixture.

I’m a stuffed pepper lover from way back. My mom made them on a regular basis so the flavors hold so much nostalgia for me. I’ve cooked lots of yummy variations, like my Mexican Stuffed Peppers. But honestly, they aren’t on regular rotation in my kitchen because they take a little more time than I typically have to give most weeknights. Enter these fabulous “unstuffed peppers”.

Why This Recipe Works

This easy ground beef recipe is ready in about 30 minutes.
Everything cooks in one skillet which means easy cleanup.
It includes wholesome, easy to stock ingredients.
It is hearty and satisfying.
The flavors are family-friendly, even for little ones who don’t think they love bell peppers.

A spoon scoops a stuffed pepper mixture from a skillet.

Ingredient Notes

The ingredients for making Stuffed Pepper Skillet with text overlay.

Olive oil
Ground beef – I use 90% lean ground beef.
Onion – Sweet yellow onion is my favorite for this recipe.
Minced garlic – Either fresh or the jarred variety will work just fine.
Tomato paste
Bell pepper – I like to use a combination of red and green peppers for that traditional stuffed pepper flavor. Keep in mind that if your kiddos are unsure of their feelings about bell peppers (or dead set against them), you might have more luck with red, yellow, and/or orange peppers which are sweeter and milder than green.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes
Rice – Long grain white rice, like Jasmine rice.
Low sodium beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Fresh parsley – I’m a fan of old school curly parsley. It’s inexpensive and works well in this recipe.
Seasoning – Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Cheese – A mixture of shredded pepper Jack cheese and sharp cheddar cheese.

Cheesy ground beef rice and peppers in a skillet.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Ground beef, peppers, rice and other ingredients in a skillet.

Heat the oil in a deep 12-inch skillet and add the ground beef, onion and garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until cooked through and crumbled. Drain the excess grease from the skillet and return it to the heat.
Stir the tomato paste into the beef until well combined. Add the bell peppers, diced tomatoes, rice, beef broth, Worcestershire, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and let cook until the rice is tender, 15 to 18 minutes.
Remove the cover and stir the mixture to fluff the rice.
Top with the cheese and cover the skillet, cooking just until the cheese melts. Garnish with remaining parsley and serve.

Storage

Refrigerator

Promptly refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and use within 3 to 4 days for the best quality.

Freezer

For longer storage, transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw safely overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

A close up of a spoon scooping a unstuffed peppers from a skillet.

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