If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that packs a flavorful punch, look no further than this Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet. This dish brings together the classic elements of stuffed peppers into one easy-to-make skillet meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a melty cheese topping, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that minimizes cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
Reasons to Love Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet
There are so many reasons to adore this Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet! First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and the aromatic garlic fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering fragrance that will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner. Additionally, it’s a versatile recipe that you can customize based on your family’s preferences—switch up the vegetables, use different types of cheese, or even add in some heat with jalapeños if you like it spicy. Lastly, it’s a wholesome meal that combines protein, grains, and veggies all in one dish, making it a balanced option for any night of the week.
Shopping List
To make your shopping easy, here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious meal:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
- 3/4 cup white rice (Jasmine recommended)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups cheese (shredded)
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Equipment Breakdown
Before you start cooking, gather these essential kitchen tools:
- Large skillet: A deep skillet works best for sautéing and simmering.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the vegetables.
Cook Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Like This
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating your large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use your wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Mix in the Vegetables and Rice
Stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers, followed by the diced tomatoes, white rice, beef broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer the Mixture
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the skillet with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet with your family or friends!
Seasonal Adaptations
This dish can easily be adapted to fit seasonal produce or personal taste preferences:
- Spring: Add in asparagus or peas for a fresh crunch.
- Summer: Toss in some corn or zucchini for added texture.
- Fall: Use butternut squash instead of rice for a hearty twist.
- Winter: Incorporate kale or spinach for a boost of nutrients.
Flavor Logic
The flavor profile of this Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet is a delightful balance of savory and slightly sweet from the bell peppers and tomatoes. The Italian seasoning ties everything together, while the cheese adds a rich creaminess that makes each bite irresistible. The combination of textures—from the tender beef and rice to the crisp peppers—creates a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome. You can even play around with the spices to give it a personal touch. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or swapping in taco seasoning for a fun twist on flavors.
Save It for Later
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to bring back the moisture. This dish is also freezer-friendly—simply portion it out and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above for a quick meal.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. The flavors will still shine through, and you might find it just as delicious.
What can I substitute for rice?
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, consider using cauliflower rice or quinoa. Both will provide a different texture but will work beautifully in this recipe.
How can I make this dish more spicy?
For those who enjoy a kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also increase the amount of black pepper or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein, such as lentils or a meat substitute. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian version.
Try These Next
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Save & Share
If you enjoyed this Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet, don’t forget to share it with friends and family! Social media is a fantastic way to spread the love of delicious food, and sharing your cooking adventures inspires others to try their hand in the kitchen. Happy cooking!
Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
- 3/4 cup white rice (Jasmine recommended)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups cheese (shredded)
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by heating your large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use your wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until it's browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers, followed by the diced tomatoes, white rice, beef broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully.
- Sprinkle the skillet with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet with your family or friends!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on seasonal availability.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative.
