Zesty Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake Recipe: Dinner in a Flash

Sizzling skillets bring magic to weeknight dinners, and this hearty stuffed pepper skillet bake recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, the dish combines tender peppers, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese in one delightful pan.

Each forkful bursts with zesty southwestern spices that dance across your palate.

The skillet method streamlines traditional stuffed pepper preparation, making cooking faster and cleanup easier.

Layers of rice, meat, and vibrant bell peppers meld together into a satisfying meal that everyone will devour.

Families and hungry diners will love this no-fuss, one-pan wonder that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.

Dive into this delicious skillet creation and watch dinner become the highlight of your evening.

Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Delivers hearty, rich protein that anchors the dish with deep, meaty goodness, choose lean cuts for healthier option..
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex umami depth and enhances meat's natural savoriness with its tangy, slightly sweet profile..

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Create foundational vegetable layer with sweet, slightly sharp undertones that complement the meat's richness, select firm, vibrant peppers for maximum flavor..
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent base note that elevates overall taste profile, fresh cloves offer most intense flavor..

• Beef Broth: Infuses moisture and intensifies savory dimension, low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control..
• Diced Tomatoes: Contribute bright acidity and subtle sweetness while creating luxurious sauce-like consistency..
• White Rice: Serves as hearty, absorptive grain that soaks up all delicious cooking liquids, long-grain varieties work best..

• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy, melty topping that creates irresistible golden-brown crust, choose sharp cheddar or Mexican blend..
• Parsley: Introduces fresh, herbaceous brightness and attractive green color contrast..

• Italian or Cajun Seasoning: Delivers complex spice blend that transforms basic ingredients into exciting flavor profile..
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all ingredient interactions..

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base with subtle fruity undertone, helps prevent.

Tools You’ll Need for Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake

• Large, oven-safe skillet: Essential for cooking and baking the entire dish directly in one pan.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and fresh parsley.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for dicing vegetables and chopping herbs.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure rice, broth, and other ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Lid or aluminum foil: Used to cover skillet during oven baking.
• Cheese grater: Optional for shredding cheese if not using pre-shredded.
• Broiler-safe skillet: Ensures you can melt cheese under high heat.

How to Cook Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake

• Skillet Prep

Grab a large oven-safe skillet and warm up some olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbly bits until it loses its pink color. Drain away any extra grease.

• Veggie Party

Toss in chopped onions and bell peppers. Let them dance around the skillet for a few minutes until they soften slightly and release their aromatic magic.

• Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle in garlic and your favorite seasoning blend. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in diced tomatoes and stir everything together.

• Rice and Liquid Magic

Fold in white rice and beef broth. Make sure everything gets cozy and well-mixed. Bring the whole mixture to a rolling boil.

• Oven Transformation

Cover the skillet and slide it into a preheated 350°F oven. Let it bake for about 25 minutes until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors.

• Cheesy Finale

Pull the skillet out and shower it with shredded cheese. Pop it under the broiler for a quick 3-5 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

• Fresh Finishing Touch

Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve directly from the skillet and watch everyone dig in!

Tips to Maximize Flavor in Pepper Skillet Bake

• Flavor Boosters: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish exciting and nutritious.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with different seasoning blends like Mexican, Mediterranean, or Southwestern to transform the skillet's flavor profile without changing the core recipe structure.
• Leftover Magic: Store extra portions in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Veggie Power-Up: Toss in additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach during the cooking process to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor layers.
• Cheese Lover's Twist: Try alternative cheese options like pepper jack for extra heat, smoked gouda for depth, or a Mexican cheese blend for a zesty kick that elevates the entire dish.

Ways to Plate Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake

• Family Dinner Champion: Serve this hearty skillet directly at the table in the cast-iron pan for a rustic, inviting presentation that keeps everyone excited about the meal.
• Fresh Flavor Boost: Top with additional chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions right before serving to add a bright, zesty finish that elevates the entire dish.
• Delicious Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread to complement the rich, savory flavors of the stuffed pepper skillet and create a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
• Customization Corner: Let diners add their favorite hot sauce or sprinkle extra cheese on top to personalize their portion and enjoy a meal that feels perfectly tailored to their taste preferences.

Best Way to Store Pepper Skillet Bake

• Smart Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire skillet meal ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring quick weeknight dinners with minimal effort.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the skillet completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months, making meal planning a breeze for busy families.
• Portioning Pro Tips: Divide leftovers into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches that reheat perfectly in the microwave without losing flavor or texture.
• Ingredient Freshness Hack: Store unused bell peppers and uncooked rice separately in sealed containers to maintain maximum quality and prevent moisture buildup, keeping ingredients ready for your next cooking adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 465 kcal

Servings: 7

Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Skillet Bake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican stuffed pepper skillet bake melds spicy ground beef, rice, and melted cheese in one incredible pan. Rich layers of flavor combine with zesty seasonings for a quick weeknight dinner solution you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) lean ground beef
• 1 cup (236 ml) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 14 oz (397 g) canned diced tomatoes
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) beef broth
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 3 small cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian or Cajun seasoning
• 2 tsps Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
• Parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sear ground beef in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it down until thoroughly browned and releasing rich, savory flavors.
2. Vegetable Integration: Add diced onions and bell peppers to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, melding their essences with the beef.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Introduce minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning blend, stirring vigorously to activate and distribute spices throughout the mixture.
4. Liquid Foundation: Pour diced tomatoes into the skillet, creating a robust, harmonious sauce that coats and enriches the existing ingredients.
5. Rice Incorporation: Fold white rice and beef broth into the skillet, ensuring even distribution and complete ingredient integration.
6. Cooking Process: Cover the skillet with a tight lid or aluminum foil, transfer to a preheated 350°F oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and rice to absorb liquid completely.
7. Cheese Finale: Sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, returning to the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
8. Garnish and Serve: Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the dish, adding a bright, herbaceous finish that complements the rich, hearty flavors.

Notes

• Meat Browning Tip: Ensure ground beef is crumbled finely and browned completely to develop deep, rich flavors and prevent any raw meat texture.
• Rice Absorption Trick: Use fresh, long-grain white rice for optimal moisture absorption and prevent a mushy or dry final texture.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Choose a melting cheese like sharp cheddar or monterey jack for maximum golden, stretchy coverage during the final broiling stage.
• One-Pan Convenience: Select an oven-safe skillet to minimize dishwashing and create a seamless cooking transition from stovetop to oven.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 465
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 785 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg