Name: Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound 90% lean ground beef; 1 cup diced sweet yellow onion; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup diced red bell pepper; ½ cup diced green bell pepper; 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes; 1 cup long grain white rice (like Jasmine); 2½ cups low sodium beef broth; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (divided); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese; ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

If you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal that captures all the deliciousness of classic stuffed peppers without the fuss, then you’re going to love this Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe. It’s an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights because it’s one-pan, super flavorful, and comes together in about 30 minutes. I first tried this recipe on a whim, and now it’s a permanent go-to in my kitchen whenever I want something hearty but hassle-free. Trust me, once you get a taste, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Speedy and Simple: You can get this on the table in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Classic Flavors Made Easy: It has all the cozy, savory flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without any of the stuffing hassle.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this one every time, and I bet yours will too.

A white bowl contains two main layers: on one side, there is fluffy white rice with small green herb bits sprinkled on top, and on the other side, thick orange-brown curry with chunks of meat, creamy texture, and green herb flecks spread evenly throughout. A silver fork rests inside the bowl on the rice side. Next to the bowl, there are pieces of flatbread with a light golden top, sprinkled with green herbs, lying on a white marbled surface. The corner of another bowl with similar curry is partially visible at the top left. A blue and white striped cloth is partially in the frame near the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Stuffed Pepper Skillet, quick stuffed pepper dinner, one-pan stuffed pepper meal, easy stuffed pepper recipe, healthy skillet dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe come together beautifully to create that comforting stuffed pepper flavor, but quicker and easier. Using fire-roasted tomatoes and a couple kinds of bell peppers adds depth, while a combo of cheeses gives you that melty, gooey finish you’ll love.

Flat lay of fresh 90% lean ground beef loosely piled, a small mound of diced sweet yellow onion, minced garlic cloves finely chopped in a small white ceramic bowl, thick red tomato paste dollop in a white bowl, diced bright red bell pepper, diced vivid green bell pepper, fire roasted diced tomatoes in a small white bowl, a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked long grain white jasmine rice, small white bowl filled with rich low sodium beef broth, a small white bowl containing dark Worcestershire sauce, fresh chopped parsley sprigs arranged neatly, a small white bowl with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl with smoked paprika powder, a neat pinch of sea salt crystals on a white plate, freshly ground black peppercorns on a white plate, a small heap of shredded pepper Jack cheese, a small heap of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl with golden olive oil placed symmetrically, all ingredients placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Stuffed Pepper Skillet, quick stuffed pepper dinner, one-pan stuffed pepper meal, easy stuffed pepper recipe, healthy skillet dinner

Olive oil: A good quality olive oil helps to brown the beef evenly and adds subtle richness.
90% lean ground beef: Lean enough to keep it from getting greasy but still juicy.
Diced sweet yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down.
Minced garlic: For that classic savory foundation.
Tomato paste: Packs in concentrated tomato flavor to brighten the whole dish.
Diced red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and color.
Diced green bell pepper: Adds mild bitterness and contrasts the red pepper nicely.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Gives slightly smoky undertones and a juicy texture.
Long grain white rice (like Jasmine): The perfect base, absorbing all those savory juices.
Low sodium beef broth: To keep the rice tender and infuse extra flavor without overpowering saltiness.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret umami booster that makes everything taste more complex.
Fresh parsley: I like to add some fresh herbs for brightness at the end – it balances the richness.
Italian seasoning: Adds an herby, aromatic touch that complements the peppers perfectly.
Smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth without heat.
Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Basic seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
Shredded pepper Jack cheese: Gives a melty, slightly spicy kick.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and creamy texture for topping.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe to keep things fresh and suit whatever I have on hand. You can easily customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs — that’s one of the things that makes this recipe such a keeper.

Swap the meat: I’ve made this with turkey or even plant-based beef to lighten things up or go vegetarian-friendly.
Change the cheese: Sometimes I like using mozzarella or even gouda for a creamier melt.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Use different rice: Try brown rice or quinoa – just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown Your Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula—this helps create that great texture. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion softens, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, drain off any excess grease carefully to avoid a greasy dish. This step makes a huge difference in how clean and balanced the skillet turns out.

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Peppers for Flavor

Next, stir in the tomato paste so it coats the beef nicely, deepening the tomato flavor. Toss in both red and green bell peppers, giving the dish that classic stuffed pepper look and taste. The peppers will soften as the dish cooks and lend a nice sweetness and crunch to contrast the tender rice later on.

Step 3: Mix in Tomatoes, Rice, Broth, and Seasonings

Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, long grain rice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and add your Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss in about two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley here for an herbal kick. Give it all a good stir so everything is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a boil—this is the moment when all those flavors start mingling and the rice begins to absorb all the yummy juices.

Step 4: Simmer Until Rice is Tender

Reduce the heat to low and cover your skillet. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. I usually peek around the 15-minute mark to make sure it’s not drying out too quickly—if needed, I add a splash more broth or water. Don’t rush this part; the rice needs time to soak up all those robust flavors.

Step 5: Fluff, Add Cheese, and Melt

Once the rice is cooked, give the skillet a good stir to fluff everything up. Sprinkle on a blend of pepper Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses evenly over the top. Cover again and cook on low heat just until the cheese melts—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The melty cheese layer is what really makes this feel indulgent and special, so don’t skip it!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling the remaining fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Now, it’s ready to serve directly from the skillet. This is one of those meals where the best part is digging right in and savoring all those layers of flavor coming together.

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Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Avoid Mushy Peppers: Cut your peppers into even-sized pieces and don’t overcook them early; adding them with the tomato paste helps maintain texture.
Drain Grease Well: I learned the hard way that draining the beef after browning keeps the dish from turning oily and heavy.
Use Good Quality Broth: It really makes a difference in taste, so opt for a low sodium broth you enjoy drinking.
Don’t Rush the Simmering: Let the rice fully absorb liquid at a gentle simmer to avoid any crunchy bits at the bottom.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

A white bowl filled with two main layers: on the left, thick, creamy orange curry sauce with visible chunks of meat mixed in, sprinkled with small green herb pieces; on the right, a neat layer of white rice with some chopped green herbs on top; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a small part of a silver spoon is visible at the bottom right corner, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Stuffed Pepper Skillet, quick stuffed pepper dinner, one-pan stuffed pepper meal, easy stuffed pepper recipe, healthy skillet dinner

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is my go-to garnish because it adds a lovely pop of green and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I also sprinkle a little extra sharp cheddar on top for cheese lovers. If I’m feeling fancy, a dollop of sour cream or creamy avocado slices go beautifully, especially if you want to mellow things out.

Side Dishes

I like to keep it simple with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a bit of crunch and freshness. Garlic bread is also a crowd-pleaser that soaks up any extra sauce. If you’re looking for something heartier, a side of roasted potatoes or a light coleslaw works well, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe in individual mini skillets or even in cute ramekins to mimic stuffed pepper shapes. Another fun idea is to top it with a fried egg for brunch or serve with warm naan bread for a fusion twist. It’s versatile enough to dress up or down depending on your mood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, the rice sometimes tightens up a bit, so adding a splash of broth or water before warming helps keep it nice and moist.

Freezing

This skillet freezes beautifully! Just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to dig in, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers covered on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of broth to loosen it up. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works, but I pause to stir every minute or so to heat evenly and keep the cheese melty.

FAQs

Can I make this Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or extra mushrooms for a meaty texture. Just remember to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavors balanced and enjoy the same comforting taste.
What kind of rice works best in this recipe?

Long grain white rice like Jasmine is ideal because it cooks relatively quickly and remains fluffy without getting mushy. You can experiment with brown rice or quinoa, but be prepared for longer cooking times and adjust liquids accordingly.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prep all your ingredients ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Then just cook as directed when you’re ready. Leftovers also store and freeze well, making this an excellent make-ahead meal.
How spicy is this Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe?

It’s pretty mild, with just a hint of smoky warmth from the smoked paprika and the slight kick of pepper Jack cheese. But you can easily add chili flakes or cayenne if you want more heat.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe takes a classic comfort food and makes it so easy to enjoy on any night of the week. No complicated stuffings or multiple pans, just straightforward, delicious food that fills your belly and heart. Give it a try and let this recipe become your new weeknight hero – I have a feeling it’ll be a favorite for your family just like it is for mine.