Effortless Stuffed Pepper Skillet: Your New Favorite One-Pot Weeknight Meal
This incredibly easy **Stuffed Pepper Skillet** delivers all the comforting, savory flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the lengthy preparation. Featuring ground beef, aromatic onion, vibrant bell peppers, diced tomatoes, fluffy rice, and a generous topping of melty cheese, this simple one-pot meal is ready to serve directly from the skillet in less than 30 minutes! It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, homemade dish with minimal fuss.
Discover the Magic of Stuffed Pepper Skillet: A Quick & Delicious Meal
It’s no secret that the rich, comforting flavors of stuffed peppers hold a special place in many hearts. The combination of seasoned ground meat, sweet bell peppers, and savory tomato sauce is simply irresistible. This beloved dish has been re-imagined in countless forms, from traditional baked stuffed peppers to inventive twists like stuffed pepper soup, meatballs, and even a hearty casserole or meatloaf. The versatility of these ingredients means you can always find a fresh, exciting way to incorporate these favorite flavors into your weekly meal plan, ensuring everyone at the table is delighted rather than asking, “this again?”
And why wouldn’t they be delighted? Stuffed peppers are a crowd-pleaser, and this skillet version takes convenience to a whole new level. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need an effortless meal that still brings your family together around the dinner table for a satisfying, home-cooked experience. This “unstuffed” approach means all the delicious components are cooked together in one pan, merging their flavors beautifully and simplifying both cooking and cleanup. Get ready to add this quick stuffed pepper recipe to your rotation!
The Inspiring Origin of Our Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet
The story behind this fantastic one-pan ground beef stuffed pepper skillet traces back to a chilly day in 2016. I had promised my son a classic stuffed pepper dinner – a beloved family favorite. Typically, I’d prepare them after lunch, setting them to bake in the oven on a timer so they’d be ready right when I returned from the afternoon school pickup. This routine usually works flawlessly, ensuring a warm, inviting meal awaits us.
However, life sometimes throws a curveball. Around noon that day, our power unexpectedly went out. While short outages are common and usually resolve quickly, this time was different. The electricity remained off for over four agonizing hours! With dinner time approaching and a hungry family to feed, the traditional baking method was clearly out of the question. I was on the verge of simply ordering pizza when a brilliant idea struck: why not prepare a deconstructed version of stuffed peppers right on the stovetop, in a large skillet? This innovative approach would allow all the essential flavors to meld together beautifully without needing an oven.
This spontaneous decision was a game-changer! That evening, the stovetop “unstuffed” pepper skillet was born, and it was an instant hit. This one-pot wonder has been a regular in our dinner rotation ever since, proving that necessity truly is the mother of invention. It’s a testament to how simple adjustments can lead to truly remarkable and enduring recipes, making weeknight dinners easy and enjoyable.
Essential Ingredients for These Lazy Stuffed Peppers
This delightful stuffed pepper skillet meal utilizes all the core ingredients you’d find in a traditional stuffed pepper, with a few thoughtful additions like onion and extra tomato sauce to enhance the one-pot cooking experience. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available nature of its components. To create this flavorful and easy stuffed pepper skillet, you’ll need:
- **Lean Ground Beef:** The foundation of this hearty dish. Lean ground beef minimizes excess grease, making for a healthier and less messy meal. For those looking for alternatives, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes, offering a lighter profile while still absorbing all the savory flavors.
- **Onion:** A classic aromatic base. I typically use yellow onion for its balanced sweetness and pungency when sautéed, but white or red onions would also work, each lending a slightly different flavor note. Chopping it finely helps it meld seamlessly into the mixture.
- **Bell Peppers:** The star of the show! You can choose any color of bell pepper based on your personal preference and what’s available. I often use a combination of green bell peppers for their slightly more robust, earthy flavor and red bell peppers for their sweetness and vibrant color. Yellow bell peppers and orange bell peppers also add wonderful flavor and visual appeal, making the dish look as good as it tastes. Dice them uniformly for even cooking.
- **Diced Tomatoes:** Canned diced tomatoes contribute a fresh, tangy tomato flavor and a bit of textural contrast. Don’t drain them; the juices are crucial for the cooking liquid.
- **Tomato Sauce:** This adds a rich, smooth tomato base to the skillet, creating the classic “stuffed pepper” sauciness. If you only have tomato paste on hand, you can substitute it, but remember you’ll need to add a bit more water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- **Instant Rice:** The secret to this recipe’s speed! Instant uncooked rice, whether brown rice or white rice, cooks quickly directly in the skillet, absorbing all the delicious liquids and flavors. Ensure it’s the instant variety for the quickest cooking time.
- **Mozzarella Cheese:** While optional, a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese adds a wonderfully creamy, melty finish that takes this dish over the top. It provides that irresistible cheesy pull that makes any meal feel extra special.
- **Water:** Essential for cooking the rice and creating a flavorful sauce. You can easily substitute beef broth or vegetable stock for the water to deepen the savory notes of the dish, adding another layer of flavor.
- **Salt and Black Pepper:** These fundamental seasonings are crucial for bringing out the best in all the ingredients. Adjust to taste, adding more as needed after the ingredients have simmered together.
*The full, complete printable recipe with precise measurements is conveniently located at the bottom of this post.
Simplified Steps: How to Make Stuffed Pepper Skillet
Preparing this hearty Stuffed Pepper Skillet is incredibly straightforward, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s how you can create this delicious one-pot meal:
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**Brown the Meat and Onion:** Start by heating a large skillet (a cast iron skillet works wonderfully for even heat distribution) over medium heat. Add your lean ground beef along with the chopped onion. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onion is softened and translucent. This step builds the flavorful base of your dish. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the meal lean and prevent it from becoming oily.
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**Combine Ingredients:** To the browned beef and onion, add the uncooked instant rice, diced bell peppers, water (or broth), tomato sauce, and canned diced tomatoes (including their juices). The order isn’t critical, but ensure all ingredients are in the pan.
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**Simmer to Perfection:** Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. Make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the instant rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The bell peppers will soften, and the flavors will meld beautifully during this simmering process.
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**Optional Cheese Topping:** At this point, the dish is ready to be served and is absolutely delicious on its own, especially if you’re looking to cut down on calories. However, for an extra layer of indulgence, you can top the skillet with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet again for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Serve your Stuffed Pepper Skillet hot, directly from the pan. This one-pot method not only simplifies cooking but also makes for an impressive presentation, ready to satisfy everyone at the table with its rich, comforting flavors.
Of course, can you ever really go wrong with adding some glorious cheese to the top? Absolutely not! The simple act of grating fresh Mozzarella cheese over the bubbling skillet, then replacing the lid until that cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible layer, might add an extra five minutes to your cooking time. But the result?
The result is this absolute cheesy goodness, a perfect finish to an already fantastic meal.
One pot, fresh and wholesome ingredients, incredibly easy prep, and ready in about 30 minutes – it truly doesn’t get much better than this for a satisfying weeknight dinner!
LOVE IT? Pin it! Share This Easy Skillet Meal!
Don’t let this fantastic, simple bell pepper skillet meal slip through the cracks! Make sure to save it for later by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go. Sharing is caring, and your friends and followers will thank you for introducing them to such an effortless and delicious dinner idea. Pin it now and have this incredible recipe at your fingertips whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal!
Does This Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe Freeze Well? Absolutely!
One of the many benefits of this easy stuffed pepper skillet recipe is its excellent freezer-friendliness, making it a perfect option for meal prep. This recipe yields a generous amount, typically enough to feed 8 people, which means you’ll likely have leftovers – and that’s a good thing! I highly recommend portioning out the cooled leftovers into individual, freezer-safe containers. These pre-portioned meals are ideal for quick grab-and-go lunches or even quicker dinners on those extra hectic evenings.
To enjoy your frozen stuffed pepper skillet, simply remove a portion from the freezer and allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight, or use your microwave’s defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat this comforting meal in the microwave until heated through, or gently warm it on the stove in a small pan, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. This convenience makes healthy, homemade meals accessible even on your busiest days, reinforcing its status as a weeknight hero.
Creative Substitutions and Replacements for Your Skillet Stuffed Peppers
This unstuffed pepper skillet is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to make it truly your own!
- **Protein Alternatives:** While ground beef provides a classic rich flavor, you can effortlessly swap it for other ground meats. Ground chicken or ground turkey are fantastic options for a lighter meal, and ground pork can add a different depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives or even a combination of mushrooms and lentils.
- **Bell Pepper Varieties:** Feel free to use any combination of bell peppers you enjoy. While green bell peppers offer a robust, slightly bitter note that pairs wonderfully with the savory meat, an assortment of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers creates a beautiful, colorful dish and adds varying degrees of sweetness.
- **Rice Choices:** Brown minute rice is a great choice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor, but white minute rice works perfectly if that’s your preference. For those on a low-carb diet, cauliflower rice is an excellent substitution; simply add it during the simmering stage and cook until tender, adjusting liquid as needed since it absorbs less than regular rice.
- **Flavor Enhancements:** To give your skillet a delightful Italian flair, stir in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with the other spices. For a unique umami kick, a dash of soy sauce or a hint of Worcestershire sauce can really elevate the overall taste profile.
- **Cheese Options:** Beyond mozzarella, consider using cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend for different flavor profiles. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end can also add a sharp, salty finish.
- **Add-ins:** For extra vegetables, consider stirring in some finely diced zucchini or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a pleasant warmth if you enjoy a little heat.
These simple tweaks ensure that this versatile meal remains fresh and exciting every time you make it, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
For the LOVE of Stuffed Peppers: More Irresistible Recipes
Remember how much I emphasized my deep affection for stuffed peppers? Well, I wasn’t exaggerating! My culinary journey has led me to explore countless ways to enjoy these fantastic flavors. If you share my passion, you’re in luck, because I’ve gathered an incredible collection of recipes that celebrate the humble bell pepper in all its glory. Whether you prefer the traditional rendition or crave innovative twists, I have you covered with an array of mouth-watering options. Get ready to dive into the wonderful world of stuffed peppers and discover your next favorite dish!
Here are some of my favorite stuffed pepper creations that you absolutely must try:
- Classic Stuffed Peppers: The timeless recipe that started it all.
- Stuffed Pepper Meatloaf (pictured above): A comforting blend of two classics, packed with flavor.
- Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers: A zesty, spicy take with a kick of chipotle.
- Hearty Stuffed Pepper Soup: All the flavors you love in a warm, comforting bowl.
- Stuffed Pepper Meatballs: Perfect for appetizers or a fun main course.
- Baked Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe: An easy, layered dish perfect for family dinners.
- Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers: A delicious fusion of classic flavors.
- Stuffed Pepper Meatloaf Minis: Bite-sized versions of the popular meatloaf, great for portion control or entertaining.
- Italian Stuffed Pepper Skillet with Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb, flavorful skillet option with an Italian twist.
And while we’re on the subject of incredibly convenient skillet meals – much like our “unstuffed” pepper skillet – you can apply the same time-saving principle to other classic comfort foods. Take the effort out of making traditional cabbage rolls by preparing my fantastic Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Skillet! It’s another family-favorite meal that requires almost no time at all, yet delivers all the rich, hearty flavors you expect. These 30-minute meals or less are definitely my kind of meal – how about you? They’re perfect for embracing flavor and convenience without compromise.
Let’s Make a Stuffed Pepper Skillet Meal!
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Print Recipe
Stuffed Pepper Skillet
Equipment
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Cuisinart Boxed Grater
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OXO 3- Piece Wooden Spoon Set
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion chopped
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 2 bell peppers diced
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce + 2 cans water
- 1 1/2 cup instant rice uncooked
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded (optional)
Instructions
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In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion, seasoned with salt & pepper. Drain any excess grease.
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Add in tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, bell peppers and rice.
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Cover and simmer until rice is cooked, about 20 minutes or so, stirring occasionally.
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Top with cheese if desired. When it’s melted, serve right out of the skillet.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in 2019 and has been updated to improve user experience on January 16, 2022.
