Sizzling Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Bold and vibrant, this stuffed pepper skillet bake brings sizzling comfort directly to your dining table.

Imagine a one-pan wonder that combines hearty ingredients with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Colorful bell peppers nestle perfectly among seasoned proteins and aromatic grains, creating a delightful meal that feels both rustic and sophisticated.

Rich layers of spices and textures intertwine in a delectable culinary experience that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Nutritious and filling, this skillet bake delivers a complete meal without complicated preparation techniques.

Quick assembly and minimal cleanup make this recipe a smart choice for busy home cooks seeking delicious, wholesome dinners.

Explore this mouthwatering creation and savor every flavorful bite.

How to Cook Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Skillet

Turn on the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grab a large, oven-safe skillet and warm it up with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Drop ground beef into the skillet and break it apart while cooking. Keep stirring until the meat turns completely brown with no pink showing. Drain away any extra fat that accumulates.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

• Onions
• Bell peppers

Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start softening and releasing their delicious aroma.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

• Minced garlic
• Italian or Cajun seasoning
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir quickly for about 30 seconds, then mix in diced tomatoes.

Step 5: Combine Rice and Liquid

Pour in white rice and beef broth. Stir everything together so the rice gets coated with all the tasty ingredients. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 6: Bake in the Oven

Cover the skillet with a tight lid or aluminum foil. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the liquid.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

Pull the skillet out of the oven and remove the cover. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pan meal!

Tips for Stuffed Pepper Perfection

• Master Meat Browning: Break ground beef into small, even pieces while sautéing to ensure uniform cooking and prevent clumping.
• Rice Liquid Ratio Trick: Use precise measurements of beef broth to achieve perfectly tender, fluffy rice without becoming soggy or dry.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Watch closely under the broiler to get a golden, bubbly cheese topping without burning the surface.
• Flavor Layering Strategy: Add Worcestershire sauce and seasonings early to build deep, rich flavors throughout the entire dish.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the hearty skillet bake.

Keeping Your Pepper Skillet Bake Fresh

• Refrigerate: Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the stuffed pepper skillet bake away from raw foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Reheat: Warm portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen stuffed pepper skillet bake can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Side Dishes for Stuffed Pepper Bake

• Pair with Zesty Garlic Bread: Crisp, buttery garlic bread complements the rich, savory flavors of the stuffed pepper skillet, providing a perfect crunchy contrast to the tender rice and beef mixture.
• Serve with Crisp Cabbage Slaw: A tangy, light cabbage slaw cuts through the richness of the dish, adding a refreshing crunch and bright acidity that balances the hearty skillet.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the deep, meaty flavors of the dish, creating a robust and satisfying dining experience.
• Cool Down with Greek Yogurt Sauce: A creamy, herbed Greek yogurt sauce drizzled on top adds a cool, tangy element that brightens the warm, spiced notes of the skillet bake.

Variations on the Classic Stuffed Pepper Skillet

• Spicy Southwest Pepper Fusion: Replace Italian or Cajun seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, swap white rice for brown rice, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Skillet: Use ground lamb instead of beef, incorporate oregano and mint, replace diced tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes, and finish with crumbled feta cheese.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, add quinoa instead of rice, include corn kernels, and sprinkle with nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Creamy Mushroom Pepper Bake: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, use cream of mushroom soup as a liquid base, replace beef broth with vegetable broth, and top with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid amount since brown rice requires more moisture and takes longer to cook.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free beef broth and ensure your seasoning blend is gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• What are good cheese options for topping?

Cheddar, monterey jack, or a mexican blend work great. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the dish’s flavor profile.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the skillet mixture in advance and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through completely.

Why Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake Hits the Spot

• Skip multiple dishes and enjoy a complete meal prepared entirely in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious time in the kitchen.
• Blend hearty ground beef, aromatic bell peppers, and perfectly seasoned rice into a satisfying dish that delivers robust taste and warmth in every single bite.
• Swap seasonings between Italian and Cajun styles, choose different cheese varieties, or add extra vegetables to personalize this adaptable recipe that welcomes creative cooking twists.
• From start to finish, this skillet bake comes together in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a delicious, home-cooked meal without complicated preparation.

Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty, flavorful base that provides rich protein and savory depth to the skillet bake. Choose lean ground beef for less greasiness.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Aromatic vegetables that add sweetness and texture. Fresh, crisp bell peppers work best for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, pungent flavor base for the dish. Fresh garlic cloves offer the most intense taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy brightness to the recipe. Canned tomatoes are convenient and consistent.

• Italian or Cajun Seasoning: Brings complex, bold spice profile to the dish. Choose based on preferred flavor intensity.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers deep, umami undertones. Adds complexity to the meat's flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning. Freshly ground black pepper offers the most vibrant taste.
• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and enhances overall meaty flavor. Low-sodium options allow better seasoning control.

• White Rice: Serves as a hearty, filling base for the skillet. Long-grain rice works best for even cooking.
• Shredded Cheese: Creates a melty, golden topping that adds richness. Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese recommended.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb note. Chopped right before serving for maximum flavor.

Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake delivers bold Southwestern comfort with ground beef, peppers, and melted cheese in one skillet. Juicy ingredients meld together, creating a quick, satisfying meal you can savor in less than an hour.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 3 small cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Italian or Cajun seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 14 ounces (397 grams) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) beef broth
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• Parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor foundation by sizzling ground beef in a generously oiled oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling the meat until it loses its raw appearance and releases savory juices.
2. Incorporate diced onions and bell peppers into the meat, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Elevate the dish’s complexity by introducing minced garlic, robust seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper, stirring briefly to awaken the spices’ intensity.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, blending them seamlessly with the existing flavor profile, creating a rich, rustic sauce.
5. Gently fold white rice and beef broth into the skillet, ensuring each grain is thoroughly coated and distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Trigger the cooking process by bringing the contents to a gentle boil, signaling the rice’s imminent absorption of surrounding flavors.
7. Seal the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil, then slide into a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and ingredients to meld harmoniously.
8. Once rice reaches perfect tenderness, crown the dish with a lavish layer of shredded cheese, returning to the oven’s broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling blanket.
9. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, introducing a vibrant, herbaceous note that cuts through the rich, hearty flavors.

Notes

• One-pan meals simplify cooking and minimize cleanup, making this skillet bake a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
• Ground beef provides rich protein while bell peppers add vibrant color and essential nutrients to the dish.
• Choose long-grain white rice for best texture and absorption of delicious meat and vegetable flavors.
• Seasoning flexibility allows you to customize the taste profile between Italian or Cajun styles based on your preference.
• Broiling the cheese creates a golden, crispy topping that transforms the entire dish from good to extraordinary.
• Fresh parsley serves as more than a garnish, bringing brightness and a subtle herbal note to the final presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg