Easy Stuffed Pepper Skillet for Quick Dinners

Discover a flavorful Stuffed Pepper Skillet recipe perfect for quick dinners—simple, tasty, and ready in under 30 minutes! This hearty one-pan dish captures the classic taste of stuffed peppers without the extra time-consuming steps. Packed with colorful bell peppers, seasoned ground meat, rice, and melted cheese, this skillet meal is an easy weeknight favorite that brings comfort and zest to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: Ready in less than 30 minutes, making it great for busy evenings.
• One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks together in one skillet.
• Balanced flavors: Combines savory meat, fresh veggies, and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal.
• Colorful presentation: Vibrant bell peppers add brightness and nutrition to your dinner plate.
• Kid-friendly: A comforting dish that’s easy to enjoy for the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Stuffed Pepper Skillet. Each one plays a vital role from juicy bell peppers to hearty rice that soaks up all the delicious spices.

• Bell peppers: Use a mix of colors like red, yellow, and green for that iconic stuffed pepper look and variety of flavors.
• Ground beef or turkey: Choose lean ground meat for protein and a rich, savory base.
• Cooked rice: Helps bind the filling and soak up juicy flavors.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds moisture and a bright, tomatoey tang.
• Onion and garlic: Aromatics that build depth in every bite.
• Shredded cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding creaminess and a golden crust.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish a warm, familiar flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the ingredients.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and meat perfectly.

Variations for Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Feel free to customize this Stuffed Pepper Skillet easily to match your taste preferences or dietary needs. There’s so much room to play with ingredients while keeping that comforting, familiar vibe.

• Vegetarian twist: Swap the ground meat with extra beans or lentils for a plant-based protein boost.
• Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Cheese variety: Use pepper jack, mozzarella, or even feta to change up the texture and flavor.
• Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
• Different meats: Turkey, chicken, or ground sausage work well for variety.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Step 1: Prepare your veggies

Start by washing and slicing your bell peppers into wide rings or strips, depending on your preference. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. These fresh ingredients will build the flavorful foundation.

Step 2: Cook the meat and aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, then add ground beef or turkey. Cook while breaking up the meat, until nicely browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Combine rice and tomatoes

Add cooked rice and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients and let everything heat through together for a few minutes.

Step 4: Add the peppers and simmer

Gently nestle bell pepper slices into the mixture in the pan, allowing them to soften slightly as they cook with the filling. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the peppers to become tender but still hold their shape.

Step 5: Top with cheese and finish

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the skillet contents. Cover again and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Pepper Skillet

• Pre-cook the rice: Having fully cooked rice ready before starting saves time and ensures perfect texture.
• Choose fresh peppers: Use firm, brightly colored bell peppers for the best flavor and crunch.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave enough space so everything cooks evenly and ingredients meld perfectly.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasonings gradually for a balanced flavor profile.
• Cover the skillet: Helps steam the peppers tender while melting the cheese to gooey perfection.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, or a dollop of sour cream pairs beautifully to add freshness and contrasting creaminess.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal with extra texture and flavor without overpowering the skillet’s rich taste.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve directly from the skillet family-style for a cozy dinner, or plate individual portions topped with extra cheese and herbs for a restaurant-quality look at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the skillet to cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days while maintaining flavor and texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use quinoa instead of rice in the Stuffed Pepper Skillet?

Yes! Quinoa is a great alternative for a protein-rich, gluten-free variation and cooks up quickly alongside the other ingredients.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! The dish keeps well in the fridge and reheats perfectly, making it ideal for preparing several meals in advance.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely. Substitute the meat with beans, lentils, or a plant-based crumble to keep the filling hearty and satisfying.

How spicy is this Stuffed Pepper Skillet?

The base recipe is mild, but you can easily add spices or peppers to increase heat according to your taste.

What cheese works best for topping?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella melt beautifully and add delicious gooeyness, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Final Thoughts

Easy to make and bursting with hearty flavor, the Stuffed Pepper Skillet is a wholesome dish you’ll want to revisit time after time. Whether you’re short on time or craving comfort food, this skillet recipe delivers satisfying, colorful meals your whole family will love. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a quick, delicious dinner made with love!

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