Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Easy Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe That’s Homestyle Good

Craving a hearty ground beef stuffed pepper skillet that promises comfort and excitement?

Peppers burst with savory flavors in this one-pan wonder.

Robust ingredients mingle to create a delightful meal that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and zesty seasonings.

Cheese melts into golden pools, adding richness to every forkful.

Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Benefits

  • Quick and Simple Prep: Craft a hearty meal with minimal kitchen steps, using just one skillet for the entire cooking process.
  • Protein-Packed Comfort: Enjoy a satisfying dinner loaded with ground beef, providing substantial nutrition and rich flavor in every bite.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Fusion: Combine classic ingredients like bell peppers, rice, and cheese that appeal to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.
  • Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Incorporate colorful vegetables and lean protein into a single dish, making meal planning and cleanup a breeze while delivering balanced nutrition.

Ingredients in Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Provides the main protein and rich flavor for the skillet dish.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Add depth and foundational savory notes to the recipe.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Diced Tomatoes: Bring freshness, color, and additional texture to the dish.
Starch:
  • Rice: Serves as the hearty and filling base of the skillet meal.
Liquid Components:
  • Beef Broth, Tomato Paste: Create moisture and enhance the overall sauce and flavor profile.
Seasoning Group:
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provide balanced and classic seasoning to elevate the dish's taste.
Cheese and Garnish:
  • Shredded Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Add creamy richness and a bright, fresh finishing touch to the skillet meal.

How to Cook Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Step 1: Brown The Meat

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat. Crumble the meat while adding diced onions and minced garlic.

Cook until beef is completely browned with no pink remaining. Carefully drain excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Build The Flavor Base

Add these ingredients to the skillet:
  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Uncooked rice
  • Beef broth
  • Tomato paste
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Simmer And Cook

Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 18 minutes. The rice should absorb the liquid and become tender.

Step 4: Cheese And Finish

Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top of the skillet.

Cover and let the cheese melt on low heat for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Remove skillet from heat.

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting meal.

Tips for Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Success

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option that still delivers amazing flavor.
  • Choose colorful bell peppers like red, yellow, and orange to boost visual appeal and increase nutritional variety in the dish.
  • Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and perfectly separated grains that won't become sticky or clumpy.
  • Add a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and depth of flavor that elevates the entire skillet meal.
  • Cook rice in beef broth instead of water to intensify the overall taste and create a more robust, savory foundation for the stuffed pepper skillet.

Variations of Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet

  • Vegetarian Pepper Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Variation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables to the dish.
  • Spicy Mexican-Style Skillet: Add diced jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the broth and tomato paste, and use gluten-free seasonings.

Pairing Ideas for Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet

  • Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel that complements the rich, savory flavors of the ground beef and bell peppers, cutting through the dish's heartiness with its bright acidity.
  • Create a light mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the skillet's warm, robust flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish.
  • Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread with a sprinkle of parsley to soak up the delicious sauce and add a complementary carbohydrate element that matches the skillet's comforting texture.

Storing Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Safely

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled skillet contents to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal securely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

  • Is ground beef the best protein for this skillet recipe?

Ground beef provides excellent flavor and is budget-friendly. It’s lean and quick to cook, making it perfect for this one-pan meal that combines protein, vegetables, and rice in a single dish.

  • Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice works well but requires longer cooking time. You’ll need to adjust liquid amounts and increase cooking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure the rice becomes tender and fully cooked.

  • How do I know if the ground beef is fully cooked?

Check that the beef is browned completely with no pink areas and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Crumble the meat while cooking to ensure even heating and thorough cooking throughout.

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Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty ground beef stuffed pepper skillet delights with Mexican-inspired flavors and colorful bell peppers. Quick one-pan meal delivers robust taste and nutrition you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cups jasmine rice
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 0.5 cup green bell pepper (diced)
  • 0.5 cup red bell pepper (diced)
  • 0.5 onion (finely diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped for garnish)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef, onions, and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until meat is completely cooked and crumbled with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat.
  2. Return skillet to stove and add bell peppers, diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, beef broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover skillet and simmer for 18-20 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
  4. Check rice for doneness by testing texture. When rice is fully cooked, gently fluff with a fork to separate grains.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the surface of the skillet mixture.
  6. Cover skillet and let cheese melt on low heat for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and bubbling.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and mixture to slightly cool.
  8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

  • Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
  • Choose bell peppers in different colors to create a vibrant, visually appealing dish that’s packed with various nutrients.
  • Control the sodium content by using low-sodium beef broth and adjusting salt levels to suit personal dietary needs.
  • Enhance the meal’s nutritional profile by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms during the cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 439 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 510 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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