🫑 Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Skillet With Pasta
A cozy one-pan dinner combining bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and plenty of melted cheese. It has all the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers without the extra work of stuffing them individually.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
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2–3 bell peppers, diced
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1 small onion, chopped
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups uncooked pasta
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1 can (14–15 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
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1½ cups tomato or marinara sauce
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1½ cups beef or chicken broth
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella
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½ cup shredded cheddar
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1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
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Fresh parsley, optional
1. Brown the Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the Vegetables
Add the onion and diced bell peppers. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the Sauce and Pasta
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the uncooked pasta and stir everything together.
4. Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
If the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a small amount of broth or water.
5. Add the Cheese
Turn the heat to low. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top.
Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a delicious, gooey layer.
6. Serve
Remove from the heat and let it stand for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Easy Variations
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Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
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Extra vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
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Creamier: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese before adding the shredded cheese.
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Lighter: Use lean ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
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Extra cheesy: Add Parmesan on top before serving.
Helpful Tip
Use a large, deep skillet so the pasta has enough room to cook evenly. Stir occasionally while it simmers to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Total time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
