One Simple Way to Use Ground Pork and Peppers
A straightforward approach to building a satisfying one-pan meal with minimal fuss.
Ground pork and peppers are a natural pairing—one brings richness and substance, the other brightness and texture. When you add rice to the mix, you've got the foundation for a dish that feels both comforting and fresh. It's the kind of meal that comes together quietly on a weeknight, without demanding much attention or a long list of specialty ingredients.
Stuffed Pepper Rice Bowl with Ground Pork
A quick and satisfying one-pan dish featuring seasoned ground pork and rice stuffed in tender peppers, delivering comfort food flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground pork and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in cooked rice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 1 minute.
- Place pepper halves cut-side up in the skillet around the pork mixture. Pour water or broth around the peppers.
- Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until peppers are tender.
- Spoon pork and rice mixture into each pepper half and serve hot.
This is just one option. Want to create your own recipe?
Customize the ingredients or generate a recipe built entirely from what you already have.
Build My RecipeQuick Variations
Lighter Option
Use brown rice or cauliflower rice in place of white rice, and go easy on any oil. The peppers will release their own moisture, keeping everything tender without heaviness.
Hearty Option
Double down by cooking the pork with aromatics first, then nestling everything into a deeper bed of rice for a more substantial, one-bowl meal. A splash of broth enriches the final dish.
Vegetarian or Flexible Option
Swap ground pork for lentils, crumbled tofu, or chickpeas. The peppers and onions remain the flavorful heart, with rice tying everything together just as well.
Simple Substitutions
Protein Substitutes
- Ground chicken or turkey
- Ground beef
- Lentils or split peas
- Crumbled tofu
- Chickpeas
- Ground lamb
Carb Substitutes
- Brown rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Quinoa
- Farro
- Couscous
- Orzo pasta
Flavor Boosters
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce or fish sauce
- Cumin and paprika
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, parsley)
- Chili flakes or hot sauce
- Coconut milk or broth
Common Questions
Should I cook the rice separately or all together?
Both work. Cooking everything together saves a dish and allows flavors to meld, but cooking rice separately gives you more control over its texture and the pork's browning.
What type of peppers work best?
Bell peppers are classic and sweet, but poblanos, Anaheims, or even spicy varieties will all bring their own character. Choose based on the heat and depth you're after.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheats gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.