Cozy Stuffed Pepper Skillet: A One-Pan Dinner to Warm Your Soul

Stuffed pepper skillets are a delightful one-pan meal that transforms the classic stuffed pepper into a convenient and flavorful dish.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts appreciate the simplicity and versatility of this comforting recipe.

The skillet version captures all the beloved flavors of traditional stuffed peppers while eliminating the complex preparation process.

Colorful bell peppers blend seamlessly with seasoned ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices in a single pan.

This hearty meal provides a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and grains for families seeking a nutritious and satisfying dinner option.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless and enjoyable with this adaptable and delicious culinary creation.

Why Stuffed Pepper Skillet Is So Easy And Hearty

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this one-pan meal in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Protein-Packed Perfection: Ground turkey or beef delivers a hearty protein boost, making this skillet a satisfying and nutritious dinner option.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like beans, meat, or cheese to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people without breaking the bank.

Ingredients To Make Stuffed Pepper Skillet

• Ground Turkey, Ground Beef: Protein-packed base for the skillet, lean and flavorful protein source.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Aromatic foundation with sweet and crisp texture, adds depth to the dish.

• Rice: Hearty grain that absorbs flavors and provides filling substance.
• Kidney Beans: Protein and fiber-rich legume with creamy texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy base that adds moisture and tangy flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers for seasoning the meat and dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend with Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and spice.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor, helps cook rice.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty topping that adds richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish with herbal notes.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.

Step-By-Step Guide For Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Step 1: Awaken The Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Drop in onions and transform them until beautifully soft. Toss bell peppers into the pan and dance them around for another moment.

Step 2: Brown The Protein

• Garlic powder
• Salt

Chop and stir the meat until it loses its pink hue and crumbles into delightful bits.

Step 3: Build Complex Flavors

• Rice
• Kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Blend everything until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Create Magic Through Simmering

Trigger a robust simmer, then cover and lower heat. Let the mixture bubble gently for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Watch the rice transform into tender perfection. Add extra broth if you desire a creamier texture.

Step 5: Cheese Transformation

Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Shower mozzarella across the top. Remove from heat, cover, and allow cheese to melt luxuriously.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Scatter fresh parsley and extra mozzarella if desired. Plate immediately and savor every delicious bite.

Helpful Hints For Stuffed Pepper Skillet

• Customize Your Protein: Swap ground turkey or beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that keeps the dish's hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Boost Rice Absorption: Use day-old rice or toast uncooked rice briefly in the skillet before adding liquids to enhance its ability to soak up delicious seasonings and prevent mushiness.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance – start with a pinch and gradually increase for those who love a spicy kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Cheese Melting Pro Tip: Remove skillet from direct heat and let residual warmth gently melt mozzarella, creating a smooth, creamy cheese layer without overcooking or burning.

How To Save Stuffed Pepper Skillet For Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwave Option: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

What Pairs Nicely With Stuffed Pepper Skillet

• Pair with Zesty Cabernet Sauvignon: This bold red wine complements the rich, meaty flavors of the skillet, cutting through the tomato-based sauce with its robust tannins and enhancing the dish's savory notes.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss crisp mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty skillet, adding a refreshing contrast and providing a bright, acidic counterpoint to the meal's warmth.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted bread to soak up the delicious sauce, offering a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the tender rice and meat mixture in the skillet.
• Elevate with Chilled Cucumber Tzatziki: Prepare a cool, tangy yogurt-based dip to provide a creamy, refreshing element that cuts through the dish's richness and adds a Mediterranean-inspired touch.

Creative Ideas For Stuffed Pepper Skillet

• Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or quinoa for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter, keto-friendly meal that still delivers maximum flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free broth and verify all ingredient labels to ensure the recipe meets gluten-sensitive dietary requirements without compromising taste.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and swap Italian seasoning for oregano and za'atar to transform the skillet into a Mediterranean-inspired creation.

Stuffed Pepper Skillet FAQ Guide

• Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey or beef?

Yes, ground chicken works perfectly and provides a leaner protein option for this skillet recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice before adding it to the skillet?

No, the uncooked rice will cook directly in the skillet with the broth and other ingredients, absorbing all the delicious flavors during the simmering process.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and verify that your tomato paste and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount or omit them completely. For more heat, you can increase the quantity to suit your taste preference.

Sizzling Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Mexican-inspired “Stuffed Pepper Skillet” delivers bold flavors with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese in one pan. Quick weeknight dinner satisfies hunger while bringing zesty southwestern comfort straight to your plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground turkey or lean ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (yellow, red, or orange), diced
• 15 ounces (15 oz) canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces (15 oz) canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 5.5 ounces (5.5 oz) tomato paste

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed (jasmine recommended)
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon (¼ tsp) red pepper flakes (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional garnish: Chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Gently sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and softened.
2. Incorporate colorful bell peppers into the skillet, stirring briefly to enhance their vibrant flavors and slightly soften their texture.
3. Introduce ground protein (turkey or beef) to the vegetable mixture, breaking it into smaller crumbles. Season with garlic powder and salt, cooking until the meat loses its raw appearance.
4. Create a robust flavor profile by adding rice, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their natural juices, concentrated tomato paste, savory chicken broth, Italian herb blend, and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes.
5. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling state, then reduce heat and cover the skillet. Let the ingredients simmer and meld together, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. After approximately 15 minutes, verify the rice has reached a tender consistency. Adjust liquid content if necessary to achieve a creamy, cohesive texture.
7. Enhance the dish by sprinkling mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a luxurious melted topping. Remove from heat and allow residual warmth to complete the cheese melting process.
8. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley and optional additional mozzarella. Serve immediately while the skillet remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier, lower-fat version of this skillet meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
• Swap white rice with cauliflower rice to create a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that’s packed with nutrients.
• Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to add unique flavor dimensions and keep the dish exciting.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce kitchen stress, making

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg