Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet

The sound of a skillet bubbling on the stove, the aroma of savory beef and tomatoes, and a layer of melted cheese on top make this Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet a comforting dinner for busy evenings. It brings together the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the extra work of filling individual peppers.

This hearty skillet combines seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, tender rice, and a tomato-rich sauce into one satisfying meal. It’s a practical choice when you want a warm homemade dinner with simple ingredients and easy cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes, making it suitable for a weeknight dinner.
• Uses a deep skillet instead of multiple cooking dishes.
• Makes 6 servings for family meals or leftovers.
• Includes tender rice, flavorful beef, and melted cheese in every serving.
• Uses pantry-friendly ingredients that are easy to keep available.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Pepper Skillet

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (454 g) 90% lean ground beef
• 1 cup (150 g) diced sweet yellow onion
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup (150 g) diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup (75 g) diced green bell pepper
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice, such as Jasmine rice
• 2½ cups (600 ml) low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded pepper Jack cheese
• ½ cup (57 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Use long-grain white rice as listed because the rice absorbs the broth while cooking and creates the proper skillet texture.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build the Flavor Base

Heat the olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook while breaking the beef apart with a spoon until it is fully cooked and crumbled. Drain excess grease, return the skillet to heat, and stir in the tomato paste until combined.

Step 2: Add the Peppers, Rice, and Seasonings

Add the red and green bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, rice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, 2 Tbsp parsley, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

Pro Tip: Keep the rice type consistent with the recipe. Changing rice varieties can affect how much liquid is needed and may change the final texture.

Step 3: Simmer Until the Rice Is Tender

Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender. The liquid should be mostly absorbed, and the rice should feel soft rather than crunchy when tasted.

Common mistake: Increasing or changing the rice without adjusting the liquid can leave the rice undercooked or make the skillet too dry.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Finish the Skillet

Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice mixture. Sprinkle the pepper Jack and sharp cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet again, and cook over low heat until the cheese melts. Finish with the remaining parsley and serve warm.

Expert Tips for Better Results

• Use a deep 12-inch skillet so the rice has enough space to cook evenly.
• Drain excess grease after browning the beef to prevent a heavy texture.
• Keep the skillet covered while simmering so the rice cooks properly.
• Check that the rice is tender before adding cheese.
• Let leftovers cool before storing them in airtight containers.

Variations

• Use mozzarella instead of pepper Jack cheese if you prefer a milder melted cheese topping.
• Ground turkey can replace ground beef for a different protein option while keeping the same cooking method.
• Sweeter bell peppers such as red, yellow, or orange peppers can be used in place of green peppers for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast to the rich skillet.
• Add warm garlic bread to soak up the tomato sauce.
• Pair with roasted vegetables for a complete dinner plate.
• Sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top before serving for a bright finish.
• Serve with iced tea or sparkling water for a casual family meal.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within a safe time after cooking and use within 3–4 days.
• Freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in the microwave or in a pot on the stove until heated through.
• For best texture, reheat gently because rice can continue absorbing moisture during storage.