Hearty Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Skillet: A Comforting One-Pan Meal

If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights, this Hearty Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Skillet is exactly what you need. Tender ground beef is simmered with colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and a rich, savory sauce that coats every bite. It’s reminiscent of classic pepper steak but made simpler with ground beef, resulting in a comforting, saucy mixture that’s ideal served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even egg noodles. This one-pan wonder comes together quickly, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers big on taste—savory, slightly sweet, with a touch of umami from soy sauce and a subtle depth from beef broth.

This recipe has roots in American comfort food, drawing inspiration from dishes like pepper steak and sloppy joes, but with a focus on fresh vegetables and a homemade sauce that elevates it beyond the ordinary. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and family-approved. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this skillet meal will become a staple in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this dish stands out. First, it’s incredibly easy—one skillet means minimal cleanup, which is a win for any home cook. Second, it’s nutritious: ground beef provides protein and iron, while bell peppers add vitamins C and A, plus vibrant color and crunch. Onions bring natural sweetness and aroma, making the whole dish feel balanced and wholesome.

The sauce is the star here—a blend of tomato-based elements for tanginess, soy sauce for saltiness, and a hint of brown sugar for balance. It thickens naturally as it simmers, clinging to the beef and veggies without needing fancy thickeners. Plus, it’s customizable: make it spicier with red pepper flakes, milder for kids, or add mushrooms for extra earthiness.

This recipe serves 6-8 people generously, making it great for leftovers. Reheated the next day, the flavors meld even more, turning it into an even tastier lunch. It’s also freezer-friendly—portion it out and enjoy homemade convenience food whenever you want.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Skillet:

2 pounds lean ground beef (85-90% lean recommended for best texture without excess grease)
3 large bell peppers (use a mix of red, yellow, green, and orange for color and sweetness—about 4-5 cups diced)
2 medium onions, diced (yellow or sweet onions work best)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup beef broth (low-sodium if preferred)
1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium to control saltiness)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust for sweetness)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked for extra depth, optional)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening, optional)

Optional Add-Ins and Garnishes:

8 ounces sliced mushrooms (for umami)
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) for topping
Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Hearty Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Skillet is straightforward and forgiving—perfect for beginners or seasoned cooks alike. Here’s how to do it:

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing and dicing the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch chunks). Dice the onions finely for even cooking. Mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and prevents overcooking.
Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. If there’s excess grease (depending on your beef’s fat content), drain most of it, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables: Push the beef to one side of the skillet or remove it temporarily if your pan is small. Add the remaining oil, then toss in the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the peppers soften slightly but retain some crunch. Add the minced garlic (and mushrooms if using) in the last minute to avoid burning—it should become fragrant.
Combine and Build the Sauce: Return the beef to the skillet if removed. Stir everything together. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, oregano, basil, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer for Flavor: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This allows the sauce to reduce and thicken naturally while the flavors deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
Thicken if Desired: For a thicker, gravy-like sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Skip this for a lighter, brothier version.
Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or wide egg noodles. For extra indulgence, sprinkle with shredded cheese and let it melt.

Total time: About 45 minutes from start to finish.

Tips for Success

Choosing Bell Peppers: A mix of colors not only looks beautiful but adds layers of flavor—red and yellow are sweeter, green is more peppery. Dice them uniformly for even cooking.
Ground Beef Selection: Leaner beef reduces grease, but if using fattier (like 80/20), drain well to avoid an oily sauce.
Make It Healthier: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add more veggies like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition.
Spice It Up: For heat, add diced jalapeños with the peppers or more red pepper flakes.
One-Pan Magic: Use a large skillet (12-inch or bigger) to ensure everything fits and cooks evenly.
Don’t Overcook the Peppers: They should be tender-crisp for the best texture—overcooking makes them mushy.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit your tastes or what’s in your pantry:

Asian-Inspired Twist: Swap tomato sauce for more soy sauce, add ginger and sesame oil, and serve over rice for a stir-fry vibe.
Cheesy Casserole Version: Transfer the skillet mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for 5 minutes.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Extra Veggies: Throw in corn, peas, or spinach for more volume and nutrients.
Sloppy Joe Style: Add more ketchup and mustard, serve on buns for a fun sandwich.

Nutritional Benefits

Ground beef is a powerhouse of protein (about 25g per serving), essential for muscle repair and satiety. It’s also rich in B vitamins, zinc, and iron—key for energy and immune health. Bell peppers are low-calorie superstars loaded with antioxidants, particularly vitamin C (one pepper provides over 100% daily needs). Onions add prebiotics for gut health and quercetin for anti-inflammatory benefits.

This dish is balanced: protein from beef, fiber and vitamins from veggies, and carbs if served with rice. A serving (without rice) is around 350-400 calories, making it satisfying without being heavy.

Storage and Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Flavors improve overnight!
Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers; lasts 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in intervals.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair this skillet with simple sides:

Steamed green beans or broccoli
Garlic bread for dipping
A fresh side salad with vinaigrette
Cornbread for a Southern touch

For drinks, a crisp white wine, iced tea, or beer complements the savory sauce perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare up to the simmering step, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat and finish simmering when ready.

Is it gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free Worcestershire.

How to scale it? Double ingredients for a crowd; use a larger pot.

What if I don’t have beef broth? Water or chicken broth works, but beef adds richness.

This Hearty Ground Beef and Bell Pepper Skillet is more than just a meal—it’s comfort in a pan. Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort. Give it a try, and watch it become your new go-to dinner. Enjoy!