Dinner

Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Byluca Carter October 31, 2025October 31, 2025

Introduction

Deconstructed stuffed peppers offer all the classic flavors of the traditional dish without the hassle of hollowing out vegetables. This easy skillet recipe combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and sweet bell peppers into a comforting one-pan meal.

A close-up view of a round cast iron skillet filled with a layered cheesy casserole on a white marbled textured surface. The bottom layer is a thick, orange-red sauce with visible bits of cooked ground meat and small pieces of red bell pepper and onions. On top, there is a smooth layer of melted cheese that is mostly golden yellow with some patches of lightly browned, bubbly white cheese, creating a creamy texture. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled evenly on the cheese layer. The skillet has two handles, and a folded pale blue cloth is partially visible beneath the skillet’s handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef

½ cup diced onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic

3 cups diced red bell pepper (orange or yellow work too!)
2 cups low sodium beef broth

15 oz can tomato sauce
1 cup dry white rice
½ teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 10 minutes, using a spatula to break apart the meat as it cooks until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 4: Stir in the diced bell peppers, beef broth, tomato sauce, white rice, dried basil, oregano, parsley, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 5: Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir every few minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the cooked mixture. Cover and cook over low heat until the cheese has melted.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Try adding chopped mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies and texture.
Use sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor twist.
If you prefer spicier notes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the mixture seems dry.

How to Serve

A round white plate holds a layered dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of orange-colored rice with small bits of red and yellow peppers, topped with cooked ground meat mixed into the rice; the middle layer features melted white cheese that is slightly browned and bubbly, covering the center of the rice and meat; finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled on the cheese and around the dish for garnish. In the background, there is a black cast iron pan with the same dish visible, and part of another white plate with the dish can be seen on the top left. The surface under the plates and pan is a white marbled texture. Two silver forks lie diagonally on the left side of the main plate, and a light blue cloth is on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice, but cooking time will be longer and may require adding more liquid. Adjust accordingly and cook until rice is tender.

Is it necessary to cover the pan while cooking?

Covering the pan helps trap steam and cook the rice evenly while absorbing flavors. It’s recommended for best texture but not absolutely required if you stir frequently and monitor liquid levels.