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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Incorporate diced onions and bell peppers into the meat, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- 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.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, blending them seamlessly with the existing flavor profile, creating a rich, rustic sauce.
- Gently fold white rice and beef broth into the skillet, ensuring each grain is thoroughly coated and distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
- Trigger the cooking process by bringing the contents to a gentle boil, signaling the rice’s imminent absorption of surrounding flavors.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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