Colorful, hearty, and brimming with flavor, this One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe packs everything you love about classic stuffed peppers into one easy-to-make stovetop meal. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, how vibrant it looks on your plate, and how every bite is full of savory beef, sweet bell peppers, tender rice, and gooey cheese. If you’re after an effortless weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and packed with nutritious goodness, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you’re on your way to a meal that’s big on flavor and short on fuss. Each ingredient in the One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe has a delicious role to play, lending color, richness, or a pop of freshness that makes this dish totally crave-worthy.

Ground beef (1 pound): The classic foundation for stuffed peppers, it brings hearty, savory depth—feel free to swap for turkey or plant-based meat if you like!
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the onion and beef, adding subtle fruity notes and keeping things lovely and moist.
Small onion, diced: Gives the dish gentle sweetness and an aromatic base you can smell from down the hall.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Just a touch, but it lifts every other flavor in this skillet to new heights.
Bell peppers, chopped (3, any color): The star of the skillet! Go for a rainbow for extra color and natural sweetness.
Diced tomatoes, undrained (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Adds liquid for simmering and gives the sauce its zingy tomato backbone.
Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): Rounds out the sauciness and holds all those ingredients together.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Boosts the tomato flavor for a robust, concentrated taste.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): That perfect blend of herbs to provide warmth and a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds lovable smokiness and a hint of color.
Salt and pepper to taste: These balancing basics turn good food into great food—taste and adjust as needed!
Cooked white rice (1 cup): Classic stuffed pepper texture without any fuss; feel free to use brown or cauliflower rice for a healthy twist.
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for that gooey, irresistible finish on top.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Not just pretty! Adds a touch of brightness and freshness to the final dish.

How to Make One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by heating your olive oil over medium heat in a large, roomy skillet. Toss in the diced onions and let them cook for 2–3 minutes, until they’re just softened and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and enjoy that amazing aroma—give it about 30 seconds to bloom without burning.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next, crumble in the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, browning it evenly until no pink remains. If your beef renders a bit too much fat, drain the excess to keep the dish light and luscious.

Step 3: Add Bell Peppers and Tomato Base

Time for veggies! Stir in your chopped bell peppers, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. Mix everything together so the flavors get to know each other.

Step 4: Simmer Until Peppers Are Tender

Now, cover the skillet and let it gently simmer for 10–12 minutes. During this time, the peppers soften and soak up all those savory juices, creating the magic of this One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe.

Step 5: Stir in the Rice

Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it heat through for a minute or two, absorbing all the saucy goodness in the pan. Your skillet will look wholesome and colorful!

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle cheese evenly across the top of your skillet mixture. Pop the lid on and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, melty layer of pure joy.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Once the cheese is perfectly melted, take the skillet off the heat. Shower the top with a handful of chopped fresh parsley (if using) to brighten up the flavors and make it look as good as it tastes.

How to Serve One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches matter! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds not just color but a crisp, herbaceous pop. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a handful of sliced green onions, or even a touch of crushed red pepper for a little kick. The right garnish elevates every scoop of this One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal in itself, but you can never go wrong with some warm, crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some roasted broccoli for even more veggie goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful, party-ready spin, serve your One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe as loaded nachos on a tray of tortilla chips, topped with a bit more cheese and run under the broiler. Or scoop portions into bell pepper halves for a nod to the traditional dish—fun and fabulous for entertaining!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pop any leftovers into an airtight container. The One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and is just as tasty (maybe even more so!) the next day.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly! Portion cooled servings into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Note: Wait to add fresh parsley until after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm larger quantities gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of tomato sauce or water to keep everything moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice or even quinoa make excellent, wholesome swaps. Just make sure they’re cooked ahead of time so they blend right in, soaking up all the yummy sauciness.

Is there a vegetarian version of this One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely—swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat or use canned lentils for a hearty meatless take. You’ll still get all the comforting flavors with a vegetarian twist.

Can I make this dish spicier for a little heat?

Definitely! Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes alongside the paprika, or add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onion and garlic. It’s easy to tailor the heat to your liking.

What’s the best way to prep this for a busy weeknight?

You can chop your veggies and cook your rice in advance, stashing them in the fridge until dinnertime. When you’re ready, just follow the steps—dinner will be on the table in no time!

Can I double the One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven, and you might need to add a few extra minutes for simmering and melting the cheese. Serve it straight from the pan for a fun, casual family meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a cozy dinner that’s both simple to make and totally unforgettable, you can’t go wrong with the One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe. Give it a try—you’ll want to keep this one-pot wonder in your weekly rotation!

One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet recipe is a quick and easy meal that’s full of flavor. Ground beef, bell peppers, and rice cooked in a savory tomato sauce, topped with melty cheese – a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup cooked white rice
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook onion until softened, add garlic, then brown ground beef. Drain excess fat if needed.
Cook Peppers: Add bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 10–12 minutes.
Combine: Stir in cooked rice, heat through. Top with cheese, cover, and melt cheese for 2–3 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley, if desired, and enjoy!