A hearty, one-pan comfort meal inspired by classic stuffed peppers—without the stuffing! Juicy ground beef, tender green peppers, rich marinara, and melty cheese come together in a quick, family-friendly skillet dish.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80–85% lean)
- 3 large green bell peppers, seeded & cut into strips/chunks
- 1 (24-ounce) jar thick tomato pasta sauce or marinara
- 2 cups shredded mild cheese (Colby Jack or mild cheddar)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Cook the Peppers
- Add sliced green bell peppers to the skillet.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
3. Add Sauce & Seasoning
- Pour in the marinara sauce.
- Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (if using).
- Let simmer for 8–10 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
4. Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve
- Serve hot as-is or over rice, pasta, or even cauliflower rice.
Tips & Variations
Add cooked rice for a true “stuffed pepper” feel
Mix in red/yellow peppers for sweetness
Add fresh garlic & onions for extra depth
Garnish with parsley or basil
Make it low-carb: serve with cauliflower rice or on its own
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 400–500 kcal
- Protein: 28–35g
- Carbs: 12–18g
- Fat: 25–30g
FAQs
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely—freeze before adding cheese for best texture.
Q: What other cheese works?
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work great.
