Description
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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Ingredients
For the Unstuffed Peppers:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
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1 small onion, diced
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3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)
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1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
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½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Optional Garnishes:
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Chopped parsley
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Extra cheese
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Red pepper flakes
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Sour cream or Greek yogurt
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex Inspired