Discover quick and delicious Stuffed Pepper Skillet recipes perfect for weeknight dinners. This one-pan wonder blends vibrant bell peppers, savory ground meat, rice, and rich tomato sauce into a cozy, flavorful meal your whole family will approve. Easy to prepare and bursting with fresh colors and tastes, the Stuffed Pepper Skillet is the ideal dish for busy nights that still crave homemade comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan convenience: Saves time and cleanup by cooking everything in one skillet.
Family-friendly flavors: A comforting blend of hearty ingredients that kids and adults both enjoy.
Customizable ingredients: Easily adapted with different proteins, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste.
Quick preparation: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutritious and balanced: A great mix of protein, veggies, and carbs for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each adding distinct flavor, texture, and color to create the perfect Stuffed Pepper Skillet. From fresh bell peppers to aromatic spices, this combination is straightforward but full of taste.

Bell peppers: Choose bright red, yellow, or green peppers for vibrant color and sweetness.
Ground beef or turkey: Provides the hearty protein base for the dish; lean options work well.
Cooked rice: Adds texture and makes the recipe filling without extra effort.
Diced tomatoes: Bring moisture and a tangy tomato flavor that keeps everything juicy.
Onions and garlic: Essential aromatics that deepen the savory profile of the skillet.
Cheese (optional): Melts beautifully on top, adding creaminess and richness.
Spices: Paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper give the dish a balanced and warm seasoning.

Variations for Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Making this Stuffed Pepper Skillet your own is simple and useful. Swap ingredients or tweak seasonings to match your dietary needs or leftovers, and still enjoy a tasty meal everyone will love.

Vegetarian option: Replace meat with beans or lentils for a satisfying plant-based version.
Spicy twist: Add jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce for a zesty kick.
Different grains: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or farro to diversify textures and nutrition.
Cheese variations: Try feta, mozzarella, or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.
Herb swaps: Fresh basil, thyme, or cilantro can brighten the dish with fresh herbal notes.

Easy Stuffed Pepper Skillet Dinner Ideas

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing, coring, and dicing the bell peppers into bite-size pieces. Dice the onions and mince the garlic. These fresh veggies set the flavorful foundation of your skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Peppers

Add onions and garlic to the skillet with the meat and cook until fragrant and translucent. Then, stir in the diced bell peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften but still have a slight crunch.

Step 4: Combine Rice and Tomatoes

Mix in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly, letting flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and allow the skillet to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and all the flavors harmonize.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top if using, cover the skillet, and let it melt for a few minutes before serving. This step adds a creamy, gooey finish that’s irresistible.

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Use fresh peppers: Fresh and firm bell peppers provide the best texture and vibrant taste.
Pre-cook rice: Using leftover or pre-cooked rice speeds up preparation and avoids mushiness.
Drain meat thoroughly: Removing excess fat makes the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Gives even cooking and keeps vegetables tender-crisp.
Customize cheese amounts: Adjust cheese based on preference for a gooier or lighter finish.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a pop of color and freshness, while a dollop of sour cream can balance spicy versions with cool creaminess.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal without overpowering the skillet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets for a rustic look, or present the dish over a bed of wilted spinach or greens for extra nutrition and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Stuffed Pepper Skillet in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to deepen overnight for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully in portions; store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of beef or turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and keeps the dish light, just cook it fully before combining with the other ingredients.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rice and check that any added ingredients like spices or cheese are gluten-free, this Stuffed Pepper Skillet is safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Replace meat with plant-based crumbles or legumes, use vegetable broth, and top with vegan cheese for a delicious vegan Stuffed Pepper Skillet.

How spicy is this dish?

By default, it is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add chili powder or hot peppers to kick up the heat as desired.

What is the best rice to use?

Long grain white rice or brown rice works best, but feel free to experiment with quinoa or cauliflower rice for different textures and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

The Stuffed Pepper Skillet is a wonderful, comforting dish that brings colorful veggies and rich flavors together in a way that’s quick, easy, and perfect for any weeknight. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twists, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth and deliciousness in every bite!

Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Print Recipe

A quick, colorful, and comforting one-pan Stuffed Pepper Skillet recipe combining vibrant bell peppers, savory ground meat, cooked rice, and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful and nutritious meal is easy to customize and loved by the whole family.

Author: Judy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), washed, cored, and diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices

Protein

1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean)

Grains

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

Dairy (optional)

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, feta, pepper jack, or preferred variety)

Spices & Seasonings

1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Wash, core, and dice the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onions and mince the garlic. These fresh veggies provide the flavorful foundation for the skillet.
Cook the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
Sauté Aromatics and Peppers: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the diced bell peppers and sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly but retain a bit of crunch.
Combine Rice and Tomatoes: Mix in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly, allowing flavors to meld.
Season and Simmer: Sprinkle paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir together and let the skillet simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to harmonize.
Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top if using. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for a few minutes before serving, creating a creamy, gooey finish.

Notes

Use fresh and firm bell peppers for the best texture and vibrant taste.
Use leftover or pre-cooked rice to speed up preparation and prevent mushiness.
Drain cooked meat thoroughly to make the dish lighter without losing flavor.
Do not overcrowd the pan for even cooking and to keep vegetables tender-crisp.
Adjust cheese amounts based on preference for a gooier or lighter finish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: stuffed pepper skillet, one pan dinner, ground beef recipe, ground turkey recipe, weeknight dinner, easy dinner, gluten free, family friendly, quick meal