The Ultimate Stuffed Pepper Rice Skillet: A Quick & Flavorful Family Favorite
(Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Uncle Ben’s. While compensation was received for this partnership, all opinions expressed are genuinely my own and reflect my honest experience with the product.)
Reinventing a beloved classic, this Stuffed Pepper Rice Skillet recipe transforms traditional stuffed peppers into an incredibly easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight. Imagine the rich, savory flavors of ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, sweet red onions, and aromatic garlic, all perfectly seasoned and simmered with crushed tomatoes, then finished with the convenience of UNCLE BEN’S® READY RICE®. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary shortcut to a satisfying dinner that comes together in mere minutes, making it an instant family favorite.
For many, the thought of traditional stuffed peppers brings to mind a delightful dish, but often one that requires considerable prep time, from hollowing out peppers to baking them for an hour or more. This skillet version eliminates all the fuss without sacrificing any of the comforting, hearty goodness. In fact, many argue it’s even better! The magic lies in simplifying the process: instead of individually stuffing peppers, all the delicious components are cooked together in one pan. This method not only drastically cuts down on cooking time but also concentrates flavors, creating a more cohesive and deeply satisfying dish that’s ready to serve in about 20 minutes.
The beauty of a skillet meal is its inherent efficiency. Fewer dishes to wash, less time spent hovering over the stove, and a single, harmonious blend of ingredients that taste like they’ve been simmering all day. This Stuffed Pepper Rice Skillet truly embodies the spirit of easy weeknight cooking. It starts with perfectly seasoned ground beef, browned to perfection, providing a robust base. Next, colorful bell peppers—think green, red, and yellow for a beautiful medley—along with sharp red onion and pungent garlic, are sautéed until tender-crisp, releasing their sweet and savory aromas. Crushed tomatoes tie all these elements together with a rich, tangy sauce that coats every morsel. The grand finale? UNCLE BEN’S® READY RICE®, which integrates seamlessly, adding a fluffy texture and wholesome goodness with minimal effort. The quick-cooking nature of ready rice means you’re just 90 seconds away from perfectly cooked grains, a true game-changer for fast dinners.
Making Mealtime a Family Affair
One of the greatest joys in our household is gathering in the kitchen and cooking together. My husband and I are deeply passionate about making dinnertime a full-family activity, transforming meal preparation from a chore into a cherished bonding experience. We’ve moved from those early days of stirring pasta with a baby on my hip and toddlers drumming on pots to now watching our children eagerly add ingredients to a sizzling skillet, observing the transformation as dinner comes to life. Kids inherently love to help, and the kitchen offers an incredible learning environment.
Involving children in cooking not only teaches them valuable life skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for food. They learn about different ingredients, healthy choices, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. These shared moments in the kitchen build lasting memories, much like the ones we hope our children will carry from making this Stuffed Pepper Rice Skillet. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to connect and create. For instance, our nine-year-old daughter was absolutely thrilled to take charge of preparing the rice for this dish. The instructions on the UNCLE BEN’S® READY RICE® package are so straightforward: simply tear the bag two inches on the side, place it in the microwave, and cook for 90 seconds. The package even features a convenient cool-touch area, making it safe and easy for little hands to handle once cooked. After her rice was perfectly prepared, all she had to do was add it to the skillet, and I gave it a final stir. It’s an easy task that gives them a sense of accomplishment and ownership over the meal.
Beyond our family kitchen, UNCLE BEN’S® also encourages families to cook together through initiatives like the Ben’s Beginners™ Cooking Contest. Parents with children from Kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to submit photos of their families preparing meals with rice, just as we did with our daughter in the photo above. While she helped with the rice, my husband was behind the camera capturing the moment, and our two youngest kiddos were busy setting the table. It truly is a family affair! To learn more about this wonderful initiative and how your family can participate, please visit The UNCLE BEN’S® Brand website.
Versatility and Flavorful Twists
This Stuffed Pepper Rice Skillet isn’t just quick and easy; it’s also incredibly versatile and bursting with flavor. While the recipe calls for ground beef, don’t hesitate to experiment with other proteins to suit your taste or dietary needs. Ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that keeps the dish light and healthy, while bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thigh can also be incorporated for a different texture and flavor profile. Simply cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink before adding the vegetables and sauce ingredients.
For those seeking a delightful vegetarian option, this skillet meal adapts beautifully. Instead of meat, consider adding a can of your favorite beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed. Great Northern beans offer a creamy texture, while black beans or kidney beans provide a robust, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the peppers and tomatoes. You can even mix and match different types of beans for added complexity. To enhance the dish further, consider topping each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese – cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend would melt beautifully and add a creamy richness. Freshly chopped parsley or cilantro makes for a bright, herbaceous garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness, elevating both the presentation and the taste. A dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce could also add an exciting kick!
Stuffed Pepper Rice Skillet Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey, chicken cut into bite-size pieces, or 1 can of beans, drained and rinsed for a vegetarian option)
- 1 package Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice (prepared according to instructions on the package)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 medium red onion chopped
- ¾ cup chopped green bell pepper
- ¾ cup chopped red and yellow bell pepper
- 2 ½ cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Instructions
- To a large skillet, add ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, Italian seasoning, and paprika, stirring well to combine. Cook the meat over medium-high heat until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped red onion, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the peppers begin to soften slightly and the onions become translucent.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to incorporate all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Meanwhile, prepare the UNCLE BEN’S® READY RICE® according to the package instructions (typically 90 seconds in the microwave). Once the rice is ready, add it directly to the skillet with the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together gently until the rice is evenly distributed and well combined with the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, cover it, and let it stand for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to deepen and the rice to fully absorb the rich sauce, ensuring a perfectly cohesive dish.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with fresh chopped parsley or shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy your easy, delicious, and family-friendly Stuffed Pepper Rice Skillet!
Nutrition
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