Unstuffed Peppers

All the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers—without the hassle! This Unstuffed Peppers recipe transforms the classic into a quick, hearty, one-pan meal that’s loaded with ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and a savory tomato sauce. It’s warm, filling, and ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you want real comfort in a bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Fast & Flavorful – All the cozy flavor of stuffed peppers without baking or stuffing.
Family-Friendly – A hit with kids and adults alike.
Balanced Meal – Includes protein, grains, and veggies in one dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prep or freezing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Unstuffed Peppers:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped parsley
• Extra cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet with lid
Cutting board and knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef to the skillet.
Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked—about 6–8 minutes.
Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Stir in the Rice
Add the cooked rice and stir well to combine.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let everything heat through for another 5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese (Optional)
If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh parsley or your favorite garnish.
Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips for the Best Unstuffed Peppers
Use Cooked Rice – Pre-cooked rice speeds things up and avoids mushiness.
Choose Colorful Peppers – Mix red, yellow, and green for visual appeal and balanced sweetness.
Make It Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like heat.
Add More Veggies – Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are great additions.
Double the Batch – Perfect for leftovers or freezing.

Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread – Scoop it up with soft, buttery bread.
Over Mashed Potatoes – A comforting twist on shepherd’s pie.
With Salad – A crisp green salad balances the heartiness.
In Lettuce Wraps – A low-carb way to enjoy the dish.
With Cornbread – Adds a sweet and savory southern flair.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Oven: Bake covered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes if reheating a large batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use uncooked rice?
You can, but it will require adding more liquid and a longer cook time. Cooked rice is quicker and more reliable for texture.

2. Is this gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your Worcestershire sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use lentils, black beans, or plant-based crumbles in place of the meat.

4. What’s the best cheese for topping?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all melt beautifully.

5. Can I meal prep this?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge and freezer, and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts
Unstuffed Peppers are the best kind of shortcut—fast, flavorful, and still filled with all the cozy satisfaction of the classic dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, prepping meals ahead, or just want something easy and delicious tonight, this recipe delivers on every level.

Try it tonight and fall in love with this low-effort, high-reward dinner!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 19g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 620mg

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