Savor the classic taste of stuffed peppers without the hassle with this easy-to-make Stuffed Pepper Skillet recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this one-pan meal combines tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and hearty rice in a savory tomato sauce. Topped with melted Mozzarella cheese, this dish promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• ½ onion, chopped
• Salt & Pepper, to taste
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 cans water
• 1 ½ cups instant rice, uncooked

Directions:

1. Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion over medium heat, seasoned with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, diced bell peppers, and uncooked instant rice.
3. Simmer: Cover the skillet and simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked, stirring occasionally.
4. Cheese Topping: If desired, sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet. Let it melt, then serve the Stuffed Pepper Skillet right out of the skillet for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the Stuffed Pepper Skillet before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve with a Side Salad: Pair the skillet with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a balanced and nutritious meal.
3. Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy contrast to the savory flavors.
4. Squeeze of Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet just before serving to brighten up the flavors and add a citrusy kick.
5. Crusty Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Allow any leftover Stuffed Pepper Skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: To freeze, portion the cooled skillet into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
3. Thawing: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm larger portions on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
5. Meal Prep: Consider doubling the recipe and portioning it into individual servings for convenient meal prep. Simply reheat as needed for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different colored bell peppers? Absolutely! Mix and match red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers for a colorful and vibrant presentation.
2. Is it necessary to use instant rice, or can I use regular rice? Instant rice is recommended for this recipe because it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors well. However, you can use regular rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid as needed.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Stuffed Pepper Skillet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
4. How do I know when the rice is cooked? The rice is cooked when it becomes tender and absorbs most of the liquid in the skillet. Taste a small portion to ensure it’s cooked to your desired consistency.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the skillet? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables such as corn, peas, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
6. What type of cheese can I use for topping? While Mozzarella cheese is commonly used for its meltability, you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese of your choice for a delicious cheesy topping.
7. How can I make this dish spicier? To add more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet while cooking.
8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and onions before adding them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
9. Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, if you use gluten-free instant rice and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, this dish can be made gluten-free.
10. Can I omit the meat for a vegetarian version? Certainly! Simply omit the ground beef and increase the quantity of vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.