Stuffed Pepper Skillet

by

Savor the classic taste of stuffed peppers without the hassle with this easy-to-make Stuffed Pepper Skillet recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this one-pan meal combines tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and hearty rice in a savory tomato sauce. Topped with melted Mozzarella cheese, this dish promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • Salt & Pepper, to taste
  • 2 bell peppers, diced
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 cans water
  • 1 ½ cups instant rice, uncooked
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)

Directions:

  1. Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion over medium heat, seasoned with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Add Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, diced bell peppers, and uncooked instant rice.
  3. Simmer: Cover the skillet and simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked, stirring occasionally.
  4. Cheese Topping: If desired, sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet. Let it melt, then serve the Stuffed Pepper Skillet right out of the skillet for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the Stuffed Pepper Skillet before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
  2. Serve with a Side Salad: Pair the skillet with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a balanced and nutritious meal.
  3. Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy contrast to the savory flavors.
  4. Squeeze of Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet just before serving to brighten up the flavors and add a citrusy kick.
  5. Crusty Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Allow any leftover Stuffed Pepper Skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Freezing: To freeze, portion the cooled skillet into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  3. Thawing: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  4. Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm larger portions on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
  5. Meal Prep: Consider doubling the recipe and portioning it into individual servings for convenient meal prep. Simply reheat as needed for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Variations:

  1. Turkey Substitution: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option with a similar taste profile.
  2. Vegetarian Version: Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas.
  3. Tex-Mex Twist: Add a Tex-Mex flair by seasoning the dish with taco seasoning and topping it with shredded cheese, diced avocado, and a dollop of salsa or sour cream.
  4. Italian-Inspired: Infuse Italian flavors by adding Italian seasoning, garlic, and diced tomatoes with basil and oregano. Top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
  5. Spicy Kick: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet for a spicy variation.
  6. Cheese Lover’s Delight: Load up on cheese by mixing in extra shredded cheese into the skillet before serving, or sprinkle with feta or goat cheese for added creaminess.
  7. Mushroom Medley: Incorporate sliced mushrooms along with the bell peppers for an earthy and savory dimension to the dish.
  8. Asian Fusion: Create an Asian-inspired twist by adding soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the skillet, and topping with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  9. Quinoa Power: Replace the rice with cooked quinoa for a protein-packed and gluten-free alternative.
  10. Greek-Inspired: Add Mediterranean flavors with diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
  11. Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped artichoke hearts, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
  12. Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for the instant rice to create a low-carb version of this dish without sacrificing flavor.
  13. Sausage Addition: Incorporate cooked Italian sausage or chorizo for an extra burst of flavor and protein.
  14. Creamy Addition: Mix in a dollop of cream cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
  15. Bean Boost: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans for added fiber and protein.
  16. Herbaceous Delight: Stir in fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, basil, or cilantro to elevate the dish’s aroma and taste.
  17. Asian Fusion: Infuse Asian flavors by adding soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger, and topping with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use different colored bell peppers? Absolutely! Mix and match red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers for a colorful and vibrant presentation.
  2. Is it necessary to use instant rice, or can I use regular rice? Instant rice is recommended for this recipe because it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors well. However, you can use regular rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid as needed.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Stuffed Pepper Skillet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  4. How do I know when the rice is cooked? The rice is cooked when it becomes tender and absorbs most of the liquid in the skillet. Taste a small portion to ensure it’s cooked to your desired consistency.
  5. Can I add other vegetables to the skillet? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables such as corn, peas, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
  6. What type of cheese can I use for topping? While Mozzarella cheese is commonly used for its meltability, you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese of your choice for a delicious cheesy topping.
  7. How can I make this dish spicier? To add more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet while cooking.
  8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and onions before adding them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  9. Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, if you use gluten-free instant rice and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, this dish can be made gluten-free.
  10. Can I omit the meat for a vegetarian version? Certainly! Simply omit the ground beef and increase the quantity of vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

With minimal prep and cooking time, this Stuffed Pepper Skillet recipe offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a comforting meal, this one-pan dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling fully satisfied. Try it for your next family dinner or gathering and indulge in the flavorful simplicity it brings to the table.