Pepper-Stuffed Grilled Flank Steak is a bold, flavorful dish that brings together the rich taste of flank steak with the savory heat of stuffed peppers. The steak is grilled to juicy perfection and then sliced open to reveal a hearty filling of bell peppers, onions, and spices, which add a burst of color and flavor. The smokiness from the grill perfectly complements the stuffed filling, making each bite a delicious, satisfying experience.
I first made this dish when I wanted to try something different with flank steak, and it quickly became a family favorite. The grilling process imparts a smoky, charred flavor to the steak, which pairs beautifully with the sweet, slightly tangy peppers and onions. What I love most about this recipe is how it combines two dishes—grilled steak and stuffed peppers—into one, making it feel special and unique. The peppers add a wonderful burst of flavor, while the steak remains juicy and tender. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner with loved ones.
Perfect for:
- Grilling enthusiasts
- Summer barbecues
- Family dinners
- Special occasions
- Steak lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Pepper-Stuffed Grilled Flank Steak will become your go-to grilling recipe:
- Bold and Flavorful Filling: The stuffed peppers create a savory, slightly spicy center that complements the juicy steak perfectly.
- Perfectly Grilled Steak: The flank steak is grilled to perfection with a smoky char on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside.
- Customizable Spice Levels: Adjust the spice of the stuffed peppers to your liking, from mild to hot.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this dish is a breeze to make for both beginner and experienced grillers.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish is visually stunning, with vibrant stuffed peppers peeking out from the steak’s layers.
- Versatile Dish: Serve as a main course with a side of grilled vegetables, rice, or potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: Can be made in advance and stored for later grilling, making it perfect for busy days or events.
- Juicy and Tender: The flank steak remains tender and juicy when grilled, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Satisfying and Hearty: This dish offers a hearty, fulfilling meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
- Grilled Perfection: The smoky, charred flavor from the grill adds a unique touch to the steak and pepper filling.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Flank Steak:
- 1.5 lb flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
The Stuffed Peppers:
- 2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (optional)
For Grilling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Flank Steak: A lean cut that’s perfect for grilling, with great flavor when marinated and stuffed.
- Bell Peppers: Add sweetness and crunch to balance the heat from the jalapeño and spices.
- Jalapeño: Brings a fresh, spicy kick to the stuffed peppers.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness to the steak and filling while helping to prevent sticking during grilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Flank Steak:
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate Steak: Rub the marinade evenly over both sides of the flank steak. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Stuffed Peppers:
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Season Vegetables: Stir in cumin, chili powder, and salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, stir in shredded cheese to the vegetable mixture.
Grill the Steak:
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Stuff the Steak: Lay the marinated steak flat on a cutting board. Spoon the sautéed pepper mixture evenly across the center of the steak. Carefully roll up the steak, tucking in the ends. Secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
- Grill the Steak: Place the stuffed steak on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is recommended).
- Rest the Steak: Remove from the grill and let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve:
- Slice and Garnish: Slice the stuffed flank steak into 1-inch thick pieces. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite sides.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Pepper-Stuffed Grilled Flank Steak:
- As a Main Course: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
- In Tacos: Slice the steak and serve it in soft tortillas with fresh salsa and avocado for a fun taco night.
- With Rice or Quinoa: Pair with rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the savory flavors.
- With Grilled Corn: Serve alongside grilled corn on the cob for a tasty summer meal.
- As a Sandwich: Place the steak slices on a crusty baguette with a drizzle of chimichurri sauce.
- With Roasted Potatoes: Serve with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes for a hearty dinner.
- As a Salad Topping: Slice thinly and add to a fresh salad for a protein-packed lunch.
- With Avocado and Salsa: Top the steak slices with fresh avocado and salsa for a light, healthy option.
- For Meal Prep: Prepare in advance for an easy and flavorful lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- With A Side of Guacamole: Serve with homemade guacamole and tortilla chips for a festive touch.
Additional Tips
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the steak rest after grilling to ensure juices are locked in.
- Even Stuffing: Make sure the stuffing is evenly distributed to ensure a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Don’t Overstuff: Avoid overstuffing the steak to prevent the filling from spilling out during grilling.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For precision, use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches your desired doneness.
- Keep the Grill Lid Closed: Keep the grill lid closed to maintain even cooking and smoky flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the flank steak with portobello mushrooms or eggplant for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the pepper stuffing for more heat.
- Cheese-Lover’s Version: Use a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack, for a gooey stuffing.
- Cilantro-Lime Version: Add fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to the pepper filling for a zesty twist.
- BBQ Version: Brush the steak with BBQ sauce before grilling for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Smoked Flank Steak: If you have a smoker, smoke the steak instead of grilling for added depth of flavor.
Special Equipment
- Grill: For grilling the flank steak to perfection.
- Kitchen Twine or Toothpicks: To secure the stuffed steak.
- Grill Brush: To brush the grill with oil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Meat Thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the steak for desired doneness.
- Skillet: To sauté the vegetables for the stuffing.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can substitute flank steak with skirt steak or flat iron steak for a different flavor. - How do I prevent the filling from falling out?
Be sure to securely tie the steak with kitchen twine or toothpicks to keep the filling intact. - Can I cook this in the oven instead of on the grill?
Yes, you can roast the stuffed steak in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. - What should I do if I don’t have a grill?
Use a stovetop grill pan or broil the steak in your oven. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed steak and refrigerate it until ready to grill. - Can I freeze the stuffed steak?
Yes, freeze the ungrilled steak (after stuffing) for up to 2 months. Thaw before grilling. - What should I do if the steak is overcooked?
Serve the overcooked steak with a sauce or dip to add moisture and flavor. - How do I get the perfect grill marks?
Make sure your grill is hot before placing the steak on it and don’t move the steak until it’s time to flip. - Can I substitute the bell peppers for something else?
Yes, try using poblano peppers for a smoky flavor or even zucchini for a lighter option. - How do I slice the steak?
Slice the steak against the grain for the most tender and flavorful results.
Conclusion
Pepper-Stuffed Grilled Flank Steak is a fantastic way to enjoy a juicy, flavorful steak with the added excitement of a savory filling. Perfect for grilling season or any special occasion, this recipe combines the smoky char of the grill with a satisfying pepper stuffing, creating a memorable meal for your family and friends. Whether served as-is or paired with your favorite sides, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy the rich, grilled flavors and spice-packed filling in every bite!