This One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet transforms the classic stuffed pepper experience into an effortless weeknight meal that’s ready in just 40 minutes! With the perfect balance of savory beef, sweet bell peppers, and tender rice all simmered together in a rich tomato sauce, this dish delivers all the flavors you love without the fuss of stuffing individual peppers. It’s the ultimate comfort food shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

True One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Family-Friendly Flavors: The familiar taste of stuffed peppers in an approachable format that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that stretch your grocery dollars without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile Base Recipe: Easy to customize with whatever peppers, proteins, or add-ins you have on hand.

One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The foundation of our dish, providing hearty protein. Choose extra lean to keep it less greasy while maintaining flavor.
Rice: Uncooked rice adds wonderful texture and absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks. Toasting it first adds a nutty dimension.
Diced Tomatoes: Petite diced tomatoes distribute evenly throughout the dish, contributing both moisture and acidic brightness.
Tomato Sauce: Creates the rich base that brings everything together, infusing the dish with classic stuffed pepper flavor.
Beef Broth: Adds depth and provides the necessary liquid for cooking the rice perfectly.
Bell Peppers: Sweet bell peppers are the star, delivering that characteristic stuffed pepper taste without the tedious stuffing process.
Yellow Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Brown Sugar: Just a touch tames the acidity of the tomatoes while enhancing the natural sweetness of the peppers.
Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend that adds complexity and herbal notes without measuring multiple spices.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into focus.
Garlic: A small amount goes a long way in adding that unmistakable savory quality.
Italian Cheese Blend: The melty, golden crown that ties everything together and adds richness to each bite.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter option. Italian sausage adds a flavor boost if you want something more robust.

Grain Options

Try quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. Each brings its own texture and nutritional profile to the dish.

Vegetable Additions

Spinach, zucchini, corn, or mushrooms can add extra nutrition and flavor. Stir them in during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

Spice it Up

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for those who enjoy heat. A dash of smoked paprika adds wonderful warmth and complexity.

How to Make One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, break up the ground beef with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 8 minutes, then drain off excess fat. This creates the flavorful foundation for our dish.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add uncooked rice to the cooked beef in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice turns golden brown. This quick toasting step develops nutty flavors and helps the rice maintain better texture through the simmering process.

Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chopped bell peppers, onion, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine. The mixture should look colorful and aromatic at this stage.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Cook for 20-25 minutes if using white rice or 40-45 minutes for brown rice, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The dish is done when the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Finale

Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend over the top of the skillet. Cover again and let it rest for 5 minutes off the heat, allowing the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the Rice Properly: Don’t rush this step! Properly toasting the rice prevents it from becoming mushy and adds tremendous flavor.
Check Rice Doneness: Different rice brands may cook at slightly different rates. Start checking rice texture about 5 minutes before the recommended cooking time.
Don’t Skip the Rest: The 5-minute rest after adding cheese allows flavors to marry and excess moisture to be absorbed, resulting in the perfect consistency.
Keep the Lid On: Resist the urge to constantly peek under the lid while simmering. Each time you lift the lid, heat and steam escape, extending cooking time.
Use a Large Skillet: Choose a skillet with high sides and a tight-fitting lid to contain everything and cook evenly.

How to Serve

Complete the Meal

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory skillet.

Garnish Options

Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced avocado to elevate the presentation and add fresh flavor notes.

Bread Pairings

Garlic bread or a crusty baguette makes the perfect vehicle for sopping up any remaining sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day in the fridge!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for meal prep or emergency dinners.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce, or warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat.

FAQs

Can I use minute rice or pre-cooked rice in this recipe?
Regular uncooked rice works best in this recipe as it absorbs flavors while cooking and helps thicken the sauce. If you need to use pre-cooked rice, reduce the liquid by about half and add the cooked rice in the last 10 minutes of cooking just to heat through and absorb flavors.

My family doesn’t like bell peppers. Can I still make this dish?
Absolutely! While bell peppers give this dish its signature flavor, you can substitute with vegetables your family enjoys. Zucchini, spinach, or even chopped broccoli work well. The dish will have a different flavor profile but will still be delicious.

The rice in my skillet is still crunchy but the liquid is almost gone. What should I do?
Add another 1/4 cup of broth or water, cover tightly, and continue cooking on low heat until the rice is tender. Some rice varieties need more liquid or time than others. Check the consistency after 5 minutes and repeat if necessary.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or an extra cup of vegetables like mushrooms, black beans, or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a completely vegetarian version that’s still packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet brings all the comfort and satisfaction of traditional stuffed peppers without the fuss. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and homemade but don’t have time for elaborate preparation. Give this skillet a try – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe