Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Stuffed pepper skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal inspired by the flavors of the classic stuffed vegetable dish. This recipe combines the savory goodness of ground beef, tender peppers and creamy cheese, all simmered in a rich tomato broth.

Because all the ingredients sizzle in one pan, our stuffed bell pepper skillet is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The easy-to-follow recipe and minimal cleanup make it a convenient choice for busy evenings. Plus, the customizable ingredients and endless flavor possibilities mean you can tailor this dish to your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Skillet

• Ground beef: As the base of our stuffed pepper skillet recipe, ground beef provides savory richness and heartiness. We recommend using 90% lean beef for this application.
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles: We pour in an entire can of tomatoes with mild green chiles (without draining the juice!) to add vibrant acidity, a touch of spice and juicy texture to the dish.
• Beef broth: Broth is a flavorful liquid base for simmering the rice and vegetables. Use canned or homemade broth.
• Chili powder: The primary seasoning for this stuffed pepper skillet recipe, chili powder often contains aromatic onion and garlic in addition to crushed, dried chiles. Add more powder if you like.
• Garlic powder: A little garlic powder adds pleasant pungency to the stuffed bell pepper skillet, but it’s not enough to make it taste garlicky. You can increase this quantity as well if you like.
• Instant brown rice: Brown rice will perfectly absorb the flavors of the broth, vegetables and spices.
• Bell peppers: Sliced red and green bell peppers add the signature sweet and vegetal flavors to make an easy skillet meal of rice-stuffed peppers.
• Colby-Monterey Jack cheese: Mild Colby-Jack melts beautifully on top of the stuffed bell pepper skillet, adding a creamy, cheesy finish.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef

In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink, six to eight minutes, breaking it into crumbles; drain.

Step 2: Add vegetables, spices, rice and cheese

Add the tomatoes, broth, chili powder, salt and garlic powder; bring to a boil. Stir in the rice and peppers. Reduce the heat; simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; sprinkle with cheese. Let stand, covered, until the cheese is melted.

Stuffed Pepper Skillet Variations

• Add more veggies: Add diced onions, extra peppers, the kernels from an ear of fresh corn or 2 cups frozen corn kernels, or zucchini to add even more color and texture to this stuffed pepper skillet recipe.
• Change out the cheese: Top this skillet meal with grated cheddar or shreds of queso Oaxaca in place of the Colby-Jack.
• Amp up the chile flavor: Add a can of green chiles along with the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles. If you want more heat, add some minced jalapeño or serrano pepper too.

How to Store Stuffed Pepper Skillet

To store leftover stuffed bell pepper skillet, let it cool completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to three days.

Can you freeze stuffed pepper skillet?

You sure can, but follow these simple instructions: Before adding the cheese, cool the ground beef mixture. Freeze the beef mixture and cheese separately in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw both in the refrigerator overnight. Heat the ground beef through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add a little broth if necessary. Sprinkle with the cheese.

Can you make stuffed pepper skillet ahead of time?

Absolutely. This stuffed pepper skillet recipe would make a great meal prep recipe packed into individual portions as make-ahead lunches.

How do you reheat stuffed pepper skillet?

Reheat individual portions of this skillet meal in the microwave—covered for minimal cleanup. You can also rewarm it in a skillet on the stovetop.

Stuffed Pepper Skillet Tips

Can you use regular brown or white rice?

Yes, you can use rice other than instant rice, but you will need to both increase the quantity of broth in the recipe and simmer the skillet meal a little longer to ensure that the rice has cooked completely through.

Can you substitute for the ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken or even a plant-based protein like ground tempeh or lentils.

What goes well as a side for stuffed pepper skillet?

Because this skillet meal is already pretty nutritionally balanced, the answer of what to serve with it is really up to you! Crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be delicious accompaniments to balance the richness of the skillet.