If you’re looking for a cozy, all-in-one dinner that’s bursting with flavor and easy to pull together on a busy night, you’re going to love this Stuffed Pepper Skillet with Sausage and Rice Recipe. It perfectly captures the warmth of stuffed peppers without any extra fuss; just one skillet, some hearty sausage, tender peppers, and fluffy rice all cooked in a savory tomato salsa broth. Trust me, once you make this, it will become your weeknight go-to — and honestly, it’s downright fan-freaking-tastic.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time and minimizing cleanup.
Balanced Flavors: The savory Italian sausage pairs perfectly with sweet bell peppers and tomato salsa for a harmonious dish.
Comforting Texture: Creamy melted mozzarella on top adds richness and melts beautifully into the rice.
Flexible Ingredients: Easy swaps for spices or sausage heat level make this recipe adaptable to your tastes.

Stuffed Pepper Skillet with Sausage and Rice, stuffed pepper skillet, sausage and rice skillet, easy sausage skillet dinner, one-pan stuffed pepper dish - This image shows a white pan filled with a cooked dish made of three main layers mixed together: cooked white rice grains, small pieces of green and red bell peppers, and browned ground meat in a light reddish sauce. On top, there is a melted layer of pale yellow cheese with a soft and slightly bubbly texture that spreads unevenly across the surface. Small chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top for a fresh touch. A wooden spoon is scooping some food from the left side. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth under its handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Stuffed Pepper Skillet with Sausage and Rice Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully in texture and flavor. It’s great because the combination of sausage and bell peppers delivers deep, savory notes balanced by the bright tomato salsa. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s what so your shopping trip goes smoothly.

Italian sausage: I prefer mild sausage for a crowd-pleasing dish but spicy gives it a kick, so pick based on your vibe.
Bell peppers: Any color works; mixing colors adds a pretty pop and subtle flavor differences.
Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the dish and provide a sweet base flavor.
Garlic: Fresh and minced – it’s a must for that punch of aroma and depth.
Spices (salt, oregano, pepper, cumin): They layer subtle earthiness and warmth—don’t skip them.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness to cook the rice without blandness.
Tomato salsa: A flavorful shortcut that keeps the dish tangy and lively.
Long-grain white rice: Rinse it well to prevent sticking and keep it fluffy after cooking.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts wittily over the top creating that gooey, cheesy finish everyone loves.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love to tweak this recipe depending on my mood or what’s lurking in the fridge. This skillet is a fantastic base for endless flavor combos, so feel free to make it your own. Whether you want it spicy, vegetarian, or extra cheesy, here are some fun ways I’ve played with it.

Spicy Upgrade: When I want some heat, I swap the mild sausage for spicy Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes—just enough for a satisfying warmth.
Veggie Boost: I sometimes throw in zucchini or mushrooms alongside the peppers to stretch the veggies and add texture.
Cheese Variations: Mixing mozzarella with a little sharp cheddar or pepper jack offers a richer, more complex cheesy layer on top.
Herb Twist: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top at the end gives the skillet a bright finish that feels fresh and fancy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stuffed Pepper Skillet with Sausage and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Peppers

Start with a large skillet set over medium-high heat and crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook it, stirring frequently, until it’s just beginning to brown—about 5 minutes. You want some nice color but not fully cooked yet. Then add your chopped bell peppers and finely chopped onion, cooking everything together until the peppers are crisp-tender, which takes around 5 minutes. This layering builds flavor and texture, so don’t rush.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices for Depth

Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried oregano, pepper, and cumin and cook just for a minute until fragrant. This small step is magic—it wakes up the dish with those warm, aromatic notes.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Salsa, Scrape the Pan

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet—those bits pack huge flavor! Stir in the tomato salsa until everything is well combined. This mixture will turn into the cooking liquid for the rice, so it’s important it’s well-blended.

Step 4: Rinse Rice and Simmer Covered

Give your cup of long-grain white rice a good rinse under cold water until the water runs clear—this helps avoid that sticky, mushy rice texture. Drain it well before adding to the skillet. Stir everything together, bring it to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it gently cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavorful broth.

Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Melt

When the rice is cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Pop the lid back on for a few minutes so the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Then, serve immediately and prepare for the compliments!

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Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Pepper Skillet with Sausage and Rice Recipe

Don’t Skip Rinsing the Rice: It’s a game-changer for fluffiness and texture in this dish.
Keep the Lid On: Resist lifting the lid while simmering to keep that steam trapped; it cooks the rice evenly.
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: It helps prevent scorching and distributes heat evenly for perfect cooking.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning at the End: Since broth and salsa vary, a quick taste before adding cheese ensures the balance is just right.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Skillet with Sausage and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple but fresh—some chopped parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top brightens the dish instantly. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime adds a lip-smacking tang that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This skillet holds its own, but I often pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to round out the meal with some fresh crunch. Sometimes, crusty garlic bread is on the table too, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For more special occasions, I try serving this skillet in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled briefly for a bubbling golden crust. It’s unexpected and makes every serving feel personal and elevated.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This skillet holds up really well and actually tastes better the next day once those spices have had time to meld together.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully a few times—just cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers covered on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water added to keep the rice moist. This way, the skillet tastes fresh, and the rice doesn’t dry out. Adding a little extra shredded mozzarella on top while reheating is always a welcome bonus!

FAQs

Can I make this Stuffed Pepper Skillet with Sausage and Rice Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or even sauté extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and black beans to keep it hearty and delicious.
Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?

Yes, rinsing the rice removes excess starch which keeps the grains from sticking together and ensures a fluffier texture that cooks evenly in the skillet.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook (usually about 40 minutes). If you want to use brown rice, precook it partially or adjust simmering time accordingly to avoid undercooked grains.
What can I substitute for the tomato salsa?

If you don’t have salsa on hand, you can use canned diced tomatoes seasoned with a little chili powder and cumin to mimic that flavor base, or even a jar of marinara sauce for a different but tasty twist.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this recipe freezes well. Just cool it thoroughly, store in airtight containers, and thaw in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Pepper Skillet with Sausage and Rice Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate and I genuinely love making it when I want something both comforting and uncomplicated. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with amazing smells and your belly with satisfaction. I hope you give it a try and find it as easy and delicious as I do — it just might become one of your favorite fast dinners too!