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Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Stuffed Pepper Skillet

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.

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

  1. 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.
  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. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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