I made this Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe on one of those evenings when I wanted comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. From the first sizzle of beef hitting the pan, I knew it would be a winner.

Everything cooks in one skillet, which makes cleanup a breeze for me. The flavors reminded me of classic stuffed pepper, but in a much easier, cozier form, similar to the Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe I tried last week. After one bite, I was hooked and knew I had to make it again for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Here’s everything I used and why each ingredient matters in this recipe.

Ground beef – 1 pound (I prefer lean ground beef because it adds rich flavor without leaving excess grease in the skillet.)

Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) – 3 large, diced (Fresh peppers give the best texture and natural sweetness; frozen ones release too much water.)

Yellow onion – 1 medium, diced (This builds the flavor base and becomes lightly sweet as it cooks.)

Garlic cloves – 3, minced (Fresh garlic provides a stronger, more aromatic taste than pre-minced options, similar to the garlic used in the Garlic and Herb Lamb Chops Recipe.)

Uncooked white rice – 1 cup (Long-grain white rice absorbs the flavors perfectly and cooks evenly in the skillet.)

Beef broth – 2 cups (Using broth instead of water adds depth and savory richness to the rice.)

Tomato sauce – 1 can (15 oz) (This creates the classic stuffed pepper flavor and keeps everything moist.)

Diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz), undrained (The juices add acidity and balance the richness of the beef.)

Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon (A simple blend that enhances flavor without overpowering the dish.)

Salt – 1 teaspoon, or to taste (Season gradually so the flavors stay balanced.)

Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (Adds mild heat and brings out the beefy taste.)

Paprika – ½ teaspoon (Gives gentle smokiness and a warm color.)

Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) – 1 ½ cups (Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and tastes creamier.)

Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (Optional, but it adds freshness and a pop of color.)

Note: This recipe serves 4 to 5 people generously.

Variations

This skillet is flexible, and I’ve tried a few tweaks depending on what I had on hand. You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative that melts well. If you want extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. You can also replace white rice with brown rice, but keep in mind it needs extra liquid and cooking time.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long the recipe takes from start to finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet with lid – for cooking everything evenly in one pan
Cutting board – to dice peppers and onion safely
Sharp knife – for quick and clean chopping
Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir without scratching the skillet
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions

How to Make Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe?

This recipe comes together in simple stages, all in one skillet. I like to prep everything first so the cooking goes smoothly and stress-free.

Brown the Ground Beef

I heat the skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. I break it apart as it cooks until no pink remains. Once browned, I drain excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.

Cook the Vegetables

Next, I add the diced onion and bell peppers to the beef. I cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly. Garlic goes in last so it doesn’t burn.

Add Rice and Seasoning

I stir in the uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. This step coats the rice in flavor before adding liquids, which helps it taste richer.

Pour in Liquids

I add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth. Everything gets a good stir so the rice is fully submerged.

Simmer Until Tender

I bring the skillet to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover. It simmers for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Add Cheese and Finish

I sprinkle cheese evenly over the top and cover the skillet again. After a few minutes, the cheese melts beautifully. I finish with fresh parsley before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this dish several times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate it.

I always taste and adjust seasoning before adding cheese to avoid bland results.
I use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent rice from sticking.
I let the skillet rest for 5 minutes before serving so flavors settle.
I mix two types of cheese for extra richness and better melt.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe?

I love serving this straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil makes it look vibrant and inviting. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top for creaminess. It pairs well with a simple green salad or warm garlic bread on the side.

Nutritional Information

This dish is filling and balanced, making it great for a complete meal.

Calories: Around 450 per serving
Protein: High, thanks to ground beef and cheese
Carbohydrates: Moderate from rice and vegetables
Fat: Balanced, depending on beef and cheese choice

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for planning ahead and enjoying later.

Make Ahead

I often prepare this skillet earlier in the day and let it cool completely. Once cooled, I cover and refrigerate it until dinner time. The flavors actually deepen as it sits.

Storage

Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I keep it tightly sealed to prevent the rice from drying out.

Freezing and Reheating

This skillet freezes well for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe checks all the boxes for an easy, satisfying meal. Here’s why it’s become one of my favorites.

It’s a true one-pan meal, which saves time and cleanup.
The flavors mimic classic stuffed peppers without the extra work.
It’s customizable for different diets and preferences.
It’s budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples.
It tastes even better as leftovers, making it meal-prep friendly.

If you’re craving comfort food that’s easy, flavorful, and family-approved, this ground beef stuffed pepper skillet recipe is one I truly recommend trying.

Ash Tyrrell