Unstuffed Peppers

If you love the comforting flavor of stuffed peppers but want something quicker and easier, this Unstuffed Peppers recipe is your new go-to. It delivers all the savory goodness of the classic dish—tender bell peppers, hearty beef, and zesty tomato sauce—without the fuss of stuffing and baking. Everything cooks in one pot, making it perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Everything comes together in one skillet for easy cleanup.
All the Flavor, None of the Fuss – No stuffing or baking needed.
Customizable – Use any color bell peppers, grains, or protein you prefer.
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Family-Friendly – Simple, comforting, and satisfying for all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Skillet:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• ¾ cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice/quinoa for a twist)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

For Garnish:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using fresh cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Meat and Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon—about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in diced onion, chopped bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Season and Build Flavor

1. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Add tomato paste and stir for 1–2 minutes to coat the meat and veggies.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Add Rice and Simmer

1. Stir in uncooked rice and pour in the broth.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
3. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed.
4. If using brown rice or quinoa, adjust liquid and cook time accordingly (add ½ cup more broth and 10–15 more minutes).

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Once rice is tender and the mixture is thick, remove from heat.
2. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top (if using) and cover with lid for 2–3 minutes to melt.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Unstuffed Peppers
Use Colorful Peppers – A mix of red, yellow, and green adds both flavor and visual appeal.
Don’t Overcook the Rice – Stir occasionally and test for doneness at the 18-minute mark.
Add More Veggies – Toss in corn, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Go Low-Carb – Swap rice for cauliflower rice and reduce broth by half.
Make It Creamy – Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for richness.

Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread – Perfect for scooping and soaking up the saucy base.
Simple Side Salad – A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty flavors.
Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted carrots or broccoli for a wholesome side.
Pickled Veggies – Add a tangy crunch with pickled onions or cucumbers.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze in meal prep containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
   Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken both work great and make a lighter version.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Yes! Use plant-based ground meat or skip the meat and add lentils or chickpeas.
3. Do I have to use white rice?
   No, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice all work well with adjusted liquid and cook times.
4. Is it spicy?
   Not unless you add the red pepper flakes. You can always adjust to your taste.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   Yes. Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.

Final Thoughts
Unstuffed Peppers are the perfect answer to busy nights when you want comfort food fast. This dish brings all the rich, savory flavor of traditional stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time and effort. It’s hearty, healthy, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, lunchboxes, and even freezer meals.

Make this just once, and you’ll want it in your regular rotation. Let us know how it turned out and share your favorite add-ins below.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 540mg

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