Simple and flavorful, this cheesy deconstructed stuffed peppers skillet makes the perfect healthy dinner! Beef, peppers, and brown rice is simmered together in a rich sauce and topped with shredded parmesan for a hearty one-pot meal the whole family will love.
Quick Look at the Recipe
- 🍽️ Flavor: Rich and savory with a cheesy finish
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- 🕒 Ready In: 1 1/2 hours
- 👥 Servings: 8 people
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Ground beef, peppers, tomato sauce, rice, parmesan cheese
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free option
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly: Yes, this stuffed pepper casserole is an easy make-ahead freezer meal.
- 👩🍳 Tip: Freshly grated parmesan adds a bold, Italian-inspired flavor to this classic dish.
One Full Skillet, Dinner Is Done
I’m a busy mom, so simple one-pot meals are some of my favorites. Being able to toss everything into a skillet or crockpot and call it dinner is a huge win.
A lot of skillet meals are served with a side of rice or soaked quinoa. I definitely don’t mind that (especially when they’re as delicious as Tuscan chicken or cabbage beef bowls), but sometimes it’s nice when everything cooks together in one pan.
That’s exactly why I love these deconstructed stuffed peppers. They have all the classic flavors of traditional stuffed peppers, but everything cooks together in the skillet, including the rice, which makes dinner so much easier.
I like finishing mine with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan, though I leave a portion without cheese for my dairy-free husband. Either way, it’s one of those simple, hearty meals the whole family always loves.
What Makes this Unstuffed Pepper Skillet Special?
- One-skillet meal with meat, vegetables, and rice all included.
- Healthy dinner using brown rice and bone broth.
- Family-friendly dinner with just a few simple kitchen staples.
Ingredients
Tools Needed
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: First, in a large skillet on medium heat, brown the ground beef, onion, peppers, and minced garlic and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Then stir in the rice, broth, tomato sauce, and dried herbs, and bring it to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Now place the lid on the skillet and continue to cook for 45-50 minutes or until the rice is done.
Chef’s Tip: To prevent sticking, add the ground beef to a cold skillet and let it heat up as it browns. (For recipes like hamburgers that need flipping, you’d preheat the skillet first.)
Step 3: Finally, sprinkle the cheese on top and let the skillet rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
If you’re looking for more healthy skillet recipes, check out my sweet potato cottage pie skillet and chicken with bone broth gravy!
Tips for Success
Use lean ground beef – 85/15 or 90/10 is best. If all you have greasier meat, you can still use it, however, skim off most of the fat after browning before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Adjust cooking time and liquid if not using brown rice – For white or jasmine rice, reduce the amount of broth to 1 2/3 cup. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes and covered for 15-20 minutes. Since the exact temperature affects the cooking time, make sure to test it for doneness.
For a different flavor, swap the cheese – Cheddar or mozzarella would both be delicious!
Tips for Freezer Meal Prep
Stuffed pepper casserole makes a wonderful freezer meal with a few simple modifications.
- Don’t add the cheese before freezing – Cheese can become grainy in the freezer, so, for best results, sprinkle the cheese on top after thawing and reheating.
- Cool completely before freezing – This prevents ice crystals from forming.
- Freeze in glass freezer and oven-safe containers – This way, you don’t have to switch containers before reheating.
- For the best flavor, enjoy within 2-3 months – If properly frozen, it will be safe to eat longer than that, but the quality will start to decline.
- Reheat in the oven – The stovetop can dry out the rice and microwaves negatively impact texture.
Violet’s Tips for Serving
Don’t skip the 5 minute resting time! This allows the cheese to melt and helps the mixture fully set for easy serving.
FAQs
Deconstructed stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days. For best results, reheat in the oven.
Yes! Deconstructed stuffed pepper casserole can be frozen in an airtight container for 2-3 months.
The time rice takes to cook can vary based on the type of rice and the temperature of your stove. If it’s still hard, continue to cook until it softens.
Yes, to make deconstructed stuffed peppers with precooked rice, use 1 1/2 cans of tomato sauce and leave out the broth. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, top with cheese, and serve.
If you try this recipe, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Skillet
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
- 6 bell peppers chopped
- 2 cups bone broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan cheese fresh, not pre-grated
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet on medium heat, brown ground beef, peppers, onion, and garlic and season with salt and pepper.2 pounds ground beef, 6 bell peppers, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Stir in the rice, broth, tomato sauce, and dried herbs, and bring it to a simmer.2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce, 2 cups bone broth, 1 1/2 cups brown rice, 1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil, 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Place the lid on the skillet and continue to cook for 45-50 minutes or until the rice is done.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top and let the skillet rest for about 5 minutes. Enjoy!1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
Notes
Nutrition
If you tried this deconstructed stuffed pepper skillet, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
I love the rich flavor the parmesan adds to the hearty stuffed pepper filling! If you have any questions on making it, leave a comment. I’m always happy to help!