Last night, I tried something new for dinner, Instead of making traditional stuffed peppers, I made a one-pan wonder called Unstuffed Peppers Recipe. It took all the stress out of the typical recipe because there was no need to stuff, bake, or juggle multiple pots. The result? A hearty, comforting bowl of deliciousness with all the flavors we love in stuffed peppers, minus the fuss.
Juicy ground beef, tender bell peppers, and perfectly cooked rice come together in a savory tomato-based sauce that’s so flavorful, I ended up going back for seconds (and maybe thirds). It’s simple, quick, and satisfying, which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a cozy dinner with friends and family. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl, you’ve got to give this one a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Unstuffed Peppers are a game-changer for anyone who loves comfort food without the extra effort.
Quick and Easy
Forget baking stuffed peppers! This one-pot meal comes together in about an hour, and there’s minimal cleanup required.
Packed with Flavor
Every bite has the same classic stuffed pepper taste, but with a saucy, flavorful twist that makes it extra comforting.
Completely Customizable
You can swap ingredients or add your favorite seasonings to suit your taste. Perfect if you’re feeding picky eaters!
Great for Meal Prep
This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick weeknight leftovers.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long it’ll take from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s all you’ll need to make this satisfying dish:
- Lean ground beef
- Green bell peppers
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Tomato paste
- Long-grain white rice
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Water
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley
Variations
This recipe is super versatile. Here are ideas to make it your own or adapt for dietary needs:
Ingredient Options
- Switch the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can replace ground beef.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or even beans for extra texture and nutrition.
- Go Gluten-Free: Opt for quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
Equipment You’ll Need
The right tools make cooking easier!
- Large pot: For cooking everything in one dish.
- Knife: For chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for safe chopping.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring everything together.
How to Make Unstuffed Peppers?
Making Unstuffed Peppers is as easy as it gets! 🫑🍅
Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables 🍳
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped green peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Season with oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 7-10 minutes until the beef is browned and the veggies are soft.
Add the Saucy Base 🥫
Stir in the tomato paste until it’s fully mixed, then add the diced tomatoes and water. These ingredients bring all the flavors together and create a rich, saucy base for the dish.
Incorporate the Rice 🍚
Add the uncooked long-grain white rice, stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45 minutes. The rice will absorb all the flavors while becoming tender and fluffy.
Garnish and Serve 🌿
Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pot from heat and keep it covered for another 5-10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and scatter freshly chopped parsley for a bright finishing touch. Dish it up in bowls, and you’re ready to dig in!
Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some pro tips for the best results:
- Avoid Soggy Rice: Use long-grain white rice, and keep an eye on the liquid-to-rice ratio to ensure the perfect texture.
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t skip the garlic and oregano! They bring out the dish’s signature stuffed pepper flavor.
- One-Pan Cooking: Use a large enough pot to accommodate everything and avoid unnecessary mess.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
How to Serve Unstuffed Peppers?
Presentation can elevate this cozy meal!
Serve these unstuffed peppers in deep bowls to highlight the hearty ingredients. Garnish with extra cheese or parsley on top for a pop of color. For sides, pair it with toasted bread, a green salad, or even a dollop of sour cream to balance the flavors. If you’re serving a crowd, set up a topping station with shredded cheese, fresh herbs, and chili flakes so everyone can customize their dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an idea of the nutritional profile per serving:
- Calories: 333
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 11g
Make Ahead and Storage
Unstuffed Peppers are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping in advance.
Prepping Ahead
Cook the beef and vegetable mixture, then store it in the fridge. Make the rice separately, and mix it together just before serving for the best texture.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to evenly distribute the heat.
Freezing Options
You can freeze the ground beef and pepper mixture for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Add fresh rice when you’re ready to serve for a wholesome, tasty meal.
Unstuffed Peppers combine everything you love about stuffed peppers without the hassle. Juicy beef, tender veggies, and savory tomato sauce create a meal that’s comforting, delicious, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a busy household or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy the bold flavors and simplicity of this one-pot wonder!
For a visual guide, watch the full recipe video here:
Unstuffed Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 green bell peppers chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 4 teaspoons oregano divided
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, green bell peppers, onions, garlic, 3 teaspoons of oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 7-10 minutes until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined and fragrant.
- Add the rice, diced tomatoes, remaining oregano and salt, and water, stirring to incorporate.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove from heat and keep covered for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
- Fluff with a fork, then serve in bowls topped with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.
