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Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe | Hearty & Flavorful

I made this Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe last night, and I’m still thinking about how comforting and flavorful it was. I love how all the classic stuffed-pepper ingredients come together in one pan without any extra fuss. The peppers stay tender-crisp, the rice absorbs all the savory juices, and the melted cheese on top ties everything together beautifully.

As soon as the skillet started simmering, the aroma filled my kitchen, and I knew I’d made the right choice for dinner. If you’re looking for something easy, hearty, and downright delicious, this recipe is it. You can also enjoy similar breakfast-inspired flavors in the Veggie Breakfast Sandwich with Avocado Recipe for a lighter morning meal.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this one-skillet dinner (serves 6). Each ingredient adds something important to the final flavor and texture:

1 lb ground beef — Lean beef works best to avoid excess grease and keeps flavors bold.
1/2 onion, diced — Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
3 cloves garlic, minced — Brings aroma and a savory punch.
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced — Gives freshness and that classic stuffed-pepper flavor.
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced — Adds color and a touch of sweetness. You could try similar bell pepper combinations in the Egg Muffins with Bell Peppers and Onions Recipe for a veggie-packed breakfast.
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes — Creates a juicy, flavorful base that blends everything together.
3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice — Absorbs the broth and seasonings perfectly; avoid minute rice.
2 cups beef broth — Infuses the rice with savory depth instead of plain water.
2 tbsp tomato paste — Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
1 tsp Italian seasoning — A blend of herbs that warms up the whole dish.
1/2 tsp salt — Essential for balancing the flavors.
1/4 tsp black pepper — Adds a light touch of heat and earthiness.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese — Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and texture.
1 tbsp fresh parsley — A bright finishing touch for color and freshness.

Note: several serving

Variations

Here are some great variations to customize the recipe based on your dietary needs or taste preferences:

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to make it leaner.
Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Use dairy-free shredded cheese if you need the recipe to be dairy-free.
Add smoked paprika, chili powder, or red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor.
Mix in yellow or orange peppers for added sweetness and color variety.
Add black beans or corn for extra texture and heartiness.

Cooking Time

This is a quick and easy recipe! Here’s the breakdown:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Equipment You Need

These tools will help the recipe come together smoothly:

Large skillet with lid — For browning, simmering, and melting cheese all in one pan.
Wooden spoon or spatula — Ideal for breaking up the ground beef and stirring.
Knife and cutting board — For prepping peppers, onions, and garlic.
Cheese grater — Fresh-grated cheese melts more smoothly and tastes better.

How to Make Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

A simple step-by-step process to help you prepare this delicious skillet dish.

Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef along with the diced onion and garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is fully browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease so the dish stays light and flavorful.

Add the Peppers, Tomatoes, Rice, and Seasoning

Stir in the green and red bell peppers, diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, beef broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the rice is fully coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil.

Simmer and Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 18 minutes or until the rice is tender. Fluff the rice gently with a fork once it’s cooked. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and let it melt until gooey and perfect. Finish with fresh parsley on top.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are some personal pointers I’ve discovered after making this meal a few times:

I prefer using uncooked Jasmine or long-grain white rice because it stays fluffy and absorbs flavor well.
Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully, so I grate it myself instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
If the skillet looks too saucy at the end, I uncover it and let it cook for a few minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
When reheating leftovers, I sometimes add a splash of beef broth to keep everything moist and flavorful.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet

This dish is hearty all on its own, but serving it the right way makes it even better. I like to serve it straight from the skillet — it gives a warm, rustic presentation. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a handful of chopped green onions adds great color. You can pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to build a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a brief overview of the nutritional values per serving:

Calories: Approximately 426 kcal
Protein: About 24 g
Carbohydrates: Around 26 g
Fat: About 25 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

After the skillet cools completely, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheats very well.

Freezing

You can freeze this meal in individual servings for up to 2–3 months. It’s great for easy meal prep. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low to medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice. You can also microwave it, but stir halfway to distribute heat evenly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s what makes this Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet a repeat favorite:

It’s a true one-pan recipe, making cleanup incredibly simple.
The cooking time is less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
It’s flexible — swap proteins, change spices, or adjust veggies easily.
It’s comforting and filling, with that classic stuffed-pepper flavor in every bite.
It reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prep.

Ben Carraoli