Stuffed Pepper Skillet

The Stuffed Pepper Skillet is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together the comforting elements of stuffed peppers without the fuss of baking. With lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a medley of spices simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this one-pan meal is both satisfying and quick to prepare.

Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s served over Spanish-style rice and topped with melted cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Plus, the option to garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions adds a burst of freshness that elevates the dish!

Stuffed Pepper Skillet

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef

1 tablespoon oil

3 bell pepper – diced, any color

1 jalapeno – seeds and stem removed, finely chopped

1 cup tomato sauce

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ cup beef broth

3 cups prepared Spanish style rice – 2 packets of Spanish style minute-rice works great

1 cup shredded fiesta blend cheese – or Monterey Jack cheese
cilantro and green onions for garnish – optional

Instructions:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, ground beef, diced bell peppers, and chopped jalapeno.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring and using a spatula or spoon to break up the ground beef, until meat is completely browned and peppers are becoming tender.

Stir in tomato sauce, salt, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and beef broth.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-10 minutes til reduced and thickened.

Stir in rice. Top with shredded cheese. Cover for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Garnish with cilantro and green onions if desired and serve.

Notes:

Ground Beef:

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Bell Peppers:

Any color bell peppers work well. Mixing colors adds a nice visual appeal and slight variation in sweetness.

Jalapeno:

Adjust the amount of jalapeno based on your preferred spice level. Removing the seeds and membrane reduces the heat.

Tomato Sauce:

You can use canned or homemade tomato sauce. If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the sauce simmer longer.

Spices:

Adjust the amount of cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder to taste. You can also add other spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.

Beef Broth:

Use low-sodium beef broth if you are watching your salt intake.

Spanish Style Rice:

Spanish style minute rice is convenient, but you can also use other types of pre-cooked rice or even leftover rice.

Cheese:

Shredded fiesta blend cheese or Monterey Jack provides a nice melt. You can also use cheddar or a cheese of your choice.

Simmering:

Ensure the mixture is well-simmered so the flavors meld together. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the rice.

Garnish:

Garnishing with cilantro and green onions adds freshness and a burst of flavor. If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can use parsley as a substitute.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for ground beef to make a lighter version of the Stuffed Pepper Skillet.

Are there alternatives to Spanish-style rice?

Absolutely, you can use regular white or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice as alternatives based on your dietary preferences.

Can I make this recipe spicy or milder?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of jalapeno, chili powder, or adding hot sauce according to your taste.

Is the shredded cheese necessary, or can I skip it?

The cheese adds a delicious creamy texture, but you can omit it if you prefer a lighter version or if you have dietary restrictions.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Stuffed Pepper Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When reheating, you may need to add a bit of broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.

Can I use a different type of meat, like ground chicken or turkey?

Yes, you can substitute lean ground chicken or turkey for ground beef to customize the recipe to your liking.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or meatless grounds.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

Certainly, you can use fresh tomatoes by chopping them finely.

Adjust the quantity based on your preference for a chunkier texture.

What can I serve this Stuffed Pepper Skillet with?

This skillet pairs well with a side salad, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream.

You can also serve it with tortillas or crusty bread.

How can I make this dish spicier or milder?

To increase the heat, add more jalapeno or chili powder.

To reduce spiciness, omit the jalapeno seeds and use less chili powder according to your taste.