Get all of those classic stuffed peppers flavors you love in this easy to make Stuffed Peppers Skillet that’s ready in 30 minutes! Made with Italian sausage and bell peppers, you’re going to love this simple version of a classic.
Why this recipe is the best
If you love stuffed peppers but hate the work that goes into making them, then this recipe is for you. Everything is done in one pan and is ready in much less time than it takes to make traditional stuffed peppers.
This is the perfect weeknight recipe too! It comes together quick and only requires a few minutes of active time. Plus, there is only one pan to clean up afterwards.
What sets recipe apart from others is the Italian sausage. It’s adds the perfect flavors and makes this pepper skillet taste likes it’s been cooking all day. Topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, I guarantee it’ll be your new favorite!
What Goes Into This Recipe
The ingredients are similar to what you’d find in traditional stuffed peppers including: bell peppers, ground meat, marinara sauce, rice, and cheese.
Ingredient Notes
- Italian Sausage – About 5 links of sausage is used in this recipe. You can use either mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference. Since you are just using the meat inside the links, you can also use ground Italian sausage. In a pinch, you could use lean ground beef or ground turkey instead.
- Bell Peppers – Any color bell pepper works in this recipe. I find that the red, orange, and yellow variety has more flavor than the green. You will need to seed and dice the pepper for the skillet.
- White Rice – White rice is the typical grain used in stuffed peppers. I like it because it cooks quickly and gives the skillet volume. You could use brown rice but know that it will take about 40 minutes to cook instead of 20. Quinoa or farro would also be a tasty grain to use in this recipe.
How to Make Stuffed Peppers Skillet
For this recipe you will need a very large skillet with a tight fitting lid. You could also use a dutch oven or large pot.
To start, remove the sausage from its casing. Then, in a large skillet, cook the sausage until browned (steps 1 and 2).
When the sausage is nearly cooked through, add in the diced bell peppers and onions (step 3) and cook until softened; about 4-5 minutes (step 4).
Stir in the spices, marinara sauce, and broth and bring to a low boil (steps 5 and 6). Stir in the rice and bring mixture to a low simmer (step 7). Cover with a lid and cook until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
Add shredded mozzarella and parmesan to the top of the skillet (step 8). Place the lid back on and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips and FAQs
- Use a large skillet with a well fitting lid for this recipe.
- Make this recipe extra speedy using leftover rice or quick cooking rice. If using leftover rice, omit the broth and stir in about two cups of cooked rice.
- Be sure to check the rice for doneness before topping the skillet with cheese. Stir the rice well then add on the mozzarella and parmesan.
A cast iron pan is a great option for skillet dinners because of its even heat distribution and tight fitting lid. If you don’t have one, you can use a dutch oven or a large nonstick pan.
Stuffed peppers are naturally gluten-free and can be made lean and without refined carbs. To make stuffed peppers healthier, use ground turkey or chicken for the meat and add brown rice or quinoa instead of the white rice. You can also cut back on calories by topping the dish off with less cheese or omitting it altogether.
What Goes Good with this Recipe
This is a great one-pot meal. But if you’re craving a little more to go with this recipe, try this Bruschetta Salad made with tomatoes and day-old bread. Another great option is this Italian Tomato Onion Salad topped with delicious red wine vinegar dressing.
Craving a little something sweet to go with your stuffed peppers skillet? Try these Cinnamon Sugar Blondies or my Cranberry Magic Bars.
Related Recipes
Italian Sausage Stuffed Pepper Skillet
Equipment
- large skillet with lid
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pounds ground Italian sausage casings removed, about 5 links
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup jarred marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup white rice
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking up with a spoon; about 5 minutes. Stir in the peppers, onion, and garlic and cook until the peppers start to soften; about 4 minutes.
- Add in the broth, marinara, salt, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a low boil and stir in the rice. Reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until rice is cooked through.
- Turn off the heat. Sprinkle on the mozzarella and parmesan, cover and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
- If you don’t have Italian sausage, you can substitute ground beef, turkey or chicken in this recipe.
- Instead of white rice you can use brown rice or quinoa. Note that brown rice will take longer to cook. If you want to use cooked leftover rice, omit the chicken stock and add in two cups cooked rice.
- Be sure to stir the dish and test that the rice is al dente before adding the cheese on top.
- To make healthier, use lean ground meat and either quinoa or brown rice.
This was super easy to prepare and absolutely delish. Family devoured it. Great recipe!
Thanks Joseph! I’m so happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Super tasty! Does this freeze well?
So happy you like it! Yes, it freezes great!
All of my favorite flavors of a stuffed pepper in a super simple skillet meal! My family loved it!
You had me at 30 minutes! So many wonderful flavors in this skillet. I love how easily it all comes together.
What a good idea to deconstruct a stuffed pepper. Inspired.
Comfort food definition! Looks amazing! Can wait to try it!
It’s so good! You’re going to love it!
Oh I absolutely love this! Such a great idea. As much as I love stuffed peppers, I have a weakness for these deconstructed-type skillet meals (Deconstructed cabbage rolls, too!) I was so excited to find this—the whole family loved it 🙂