If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty meal that doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes, the One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe is pure magic. This cozy classic captures all the flavor and nostalgia of stuffed peppers, but without the fuss or lengthy prep. Aromatic peppers, juicy ground meat, tender rice, and bubbling cheese all mingle together in one pan, making it a weeknight superstar. From busy families to anyone craving comfort food with minimal clean-up, this recipe truly delivers on taste and ease—one bite and you’ll see why it’s a staple in my kitchen.

One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how each simple ingredient really shines, combining to create layers of savory richness, color, and texture. With just a handful of fridge and pantry staples, you’ll have everything you need to whip up your new favorite skillet supper.

Olive oil: Adds a lovely base flavor and allows everything to sizzle without sticking.
Ground beef or turkey: Provides hearty protein and builds the foundation of the dish—choose your favorite or use what you have!
Onion (chopped): Gives natural sweetness and depth; chop finely so it melts into the mix.
Garlic (minced): Infuses irresistible aroma and subtle punch—freshly minced is best.
Bell peppers (any color, diced): Bright bursts of flavor and crunch; choose a mix for a rainbow in your skillet!
Uncooked long grain white rice: Cooks right in the pot, soaking up all the savory juices and keeping things one-dish easy.
Canned diced tomatoes (with juice): Adds sweetness, acidity, and keeps everything deliciously moist.
Tomato sauce: Brings everything together with rich, tomatoey comfort—so much flavor in a simple spoonful.
Beef or chicken broth: Deepens the savory notes and helps perfectly cook the rice.
Italian seasoning: The hint of herbs gives the dish an irresistible, homey flavor.
Salt: Gives all the other flavors a friendly nudge forward—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Just enough gentle heat to round things out.
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into creamy, gooey bliss and adds that classic “stuffed pepper” finish.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of green gives a final pop of color and freshness.

How to Make One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown Your Meat

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add in your choice of ground beef or turkey, and break it up as it cooks—this gives you a delicious, crumbly texture. When the meat is browned all over, just five to six minutes, carefully drain away any excess grease to keep the dish flavor-packed without being heavy.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Peppers

Now toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Sauté everything for another three to four minutes. You’ll know it’s time for the next step when the onions look translucent and the peppers have softened just slightly, still holding on to some of their festive crunch. Your kitchen should smell incredible by now!

Step 3: Stir in Rice and Flavorings

Sprinkle the uncooked rice right into the skillet, followed by the diced tomatoes (with all their juice), tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the rice is evenly distributed so it cooks perfectly all the way through and soaks up all those gorgeous flavors.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Raise the heat to bring the skillet to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, drop the heat down to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer away for 18 to 20 minutes. During this time the rice will cook through and absorb most of that tasty liquid. Remember to give it a few gentle stirs along the way so nothing sticks and every bite turns out perfectly tender.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

When the rice is tender and the skillet looks saucy and satisfying, remove it from the heat. Sprinkle that luscious shredded cheese right over the top. Pop the lid back on for two to three minutes, just until the cheese melts into a bubbly, gooey layer. Garnish with fresh parsley for a final flourish and get ready to serve up smiles!

How to Serve One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Keep it classic with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or try thinly sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. The fresh herbs brighten things up and contrast the savory richness—your One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe will look as tasty as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This gorgeous skillet main doesn’t need much, but fluffy dinner rolls or warm crusty bread are perfect for soaking up every last drop. A crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette adds lightness, or you can pair it with steamed broccoli or roasted veggies for even more color on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve straight from the skillet for rustic, family-style charm, or scoop into colorful bowls for an inviting individual presentation. Want to impress? Try stuffing the mixture into halved, roasted bell peppers and bake with cheese on top—so fun! For potlucks or meal trains, keep it warm in a slow cooker and let everyone help themselves to a hearty scoop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days, and you’ll love how the One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe reheats beautifully.

Freezing

This is a fantastic freezer-friendly recipe! Once cooled completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (squeeze out as much air as possible). Label and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, or pop a portion right in the microwave straight from the freezer in a pinch.

Reheating

For the tastiest return to bubbly, cheesy comfort, reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway to ensure everything is hot and melty. A fresh sprinkle of cheese or parsley when serving is the perfect finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook and will need more liquid. Add about an extra half cup of broth and plan for an additional 15–20 minutes of simmering time, checking the texture to make sure it’s tender.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground meat for your favorite plant-based ground or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead. The result is every bit as hearty and satisfying, with a lovely earthy flavor all its own.

What other cheeses work in this recipe?

You can switch up the cheese to suit your taste! Mozzarella and provolone melt beautifully, while pepper jack adds a gentle zing. Even a sprinkle of parmesan at the end gives a sharp, savory finish. Mix and match or use what’s in your fridge!

How can I make the One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe spicier?

To turn up the heat, try adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the bell peppers. You can also add a splash of your favorite hot sauce during the simmering step or right before serving.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply use a larger skillet or Dutch oven and watch the timing—cooking might take a few minutes longer for larger batches, especially making sure all the rice cooks evenly. The One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe is just as easy to make for a crowd as for a small family!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a hearty, vibrant meal that’s as easy to make as it is to clean up, give the One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe a try. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a beloved go-to in your kitchen. Here’s to less fuss, more flavor, and plenty of happy, satisfied bellies!

One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This One Pot Wonder Stuffed Pepper Skillet is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that combines the flavors of stuffed peppers with the simplicity of a one-pot dish. Savory ground beef or turkey, colorful bell peppers, and rice simmer together in a flavorful tomato broth, topped with gooey cheese for a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Ground Beef or Turkey:

1 pound

Onion (chopped):

1 small

Garlic (minced):

2 cloves

Bell Peppers (any color, diced):

Long Grain White Rice (uncooked):

1 cup

Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz) with juice:

1 can

Tomato Sauce (8 oz):

1 can

Beef or Chicken Broth:

1 3/4 cups

Italian Seasoning:

1 teaspoon

Salt:

1/2 teaspoon

Black Pepper:

1/4 teaspoon

Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded):

1 cup

Fresh Parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown the ground meat.
Add Veggies and Rice: Sauté onion, garlic, and peppers. Stir in rice, tomatoes, sauce, broth, and seasonings.
Simmer: Cover and cook until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
Melt Cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the dish, cover, and let it melt.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot.