Unstuffed Peppers Recipe

Imagine all the savory, rich flavors of stuffed peppers but without the fussy preparation. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this hearty Unstuffed Peppers Recipe – a deconstructed version that delivers those classic tastes in a fraction of the time. Ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and tomatoes combine in a single skillet for a comforting meal that captures everything you love about traditional stuffed peppers. You’ll learn how to transform this classic dish into an easy weeknight dinner that delivers all the flavor with none of the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Unstuffed Peppers Recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food but don’t have time for elaborate preparation. The colorful bell peppers maintain their slight crunch while still soaking up all the savory flavors of the beef and tomato sauce. Unlike traditional stuffed peppers, which can sometimes have unevenly cooked rice or peppers, this deconstructed version ensures every bite has the perfect balance of ingredients.

The one-pot approach means significantly less cleanup while delivering the same satisfying taste profile. You’ll appreciate how the melted cheese creates those irresistible stretchy strands with each spoonful, and how the tender rice absorbs the rich tomato sauce. This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers that taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Ingredients

For this Unstuffed Peppers Recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (454g) lean ground beef
• 3 bell peppers (any colors), diced into ½-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz/227g) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup (185g) uncooked white rice
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup (113g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The best bell peppers for this dish are a colorful mix of red, yellow, and green for optimal flavor and visual appeal. High-quality lean ground beef (85/15) provides the perfect balance of flavor and less grease.

Pro Tips

Proper Pepper Preparation: Cut your bell peppers into consistent ½-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Different-sized pieces will result in some being overcooked and others undercooked. For enhanced flavor, try briefly charring the peppers in the pan before adding other ingredients – this adds a subtle smoky dimension that elevates the entire dish.

Rice Perfection: The key to perfectly cooked rice in this Unstuffed Peppers Recipe is proper liquid ratio and timing. Use slightly less liquid than you typically would for rice, as the tomatoes will release moisture during cooking. Always let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and reach ideal tenderness.

Layering Flavors: Build complexity by browning the beef properly before adding vegetables. Don’t rush this step – allow the meat to develop a deep caramelization for maximum flavor. Add the garlic only in the last 30 seconds of sautéing the onions to prevent burning, which would introduce bitterness to your dish. This sequential addition of ingredients creates a depth of flavor that makes this unstuffed pepper casserole truly outstanding.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

Step 2: Add the diced onions to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they just begin to soften but still maintain some crispness. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Step 4: Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir to coat the meat and vegetables, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw tomato flavor. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato sauce, stirring to combine everything.

Step 5: Stir in the uncooked rice and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts completely.

Step 7: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and let the Unstuffed Peppers Recipe rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly and ensures the ideal texture.

Variations

Mediterranean Unstuffed Peppers: Transform this Unstuffed Peppers Recipe with Mediterranean flavors by substituting ground lamb for beef and adding 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and ¼ cup of kalamata olives. Finish with fresh mint instead of parsley for an aromatic twist that transports your taste buds to Greece.

Vegetarian Unstuffed Peppers: Create a hearty meat-free version by replacing the ground beef with 2 cups of cooked lentils or 16 ounces of plant-based ground meat alternative. Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth, and consider adding 1 cup of chopped mushrooms to enhance the umami flavor. This variation maintains all the satisfaction of the original while being completely plant-based.

Mexican-Inspired Unstuffed Peppers: Add a south-of-the-border spin by incorporating 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed). Replace the mozzarella with a Mexican cheese blend and garnish with cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a fiesta of flavors.

Storage and Serving

This Unstuffed Peppers Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal option. For longer storage, portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

For serving, pair this hearty one-pot meal with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It’s also excellent served with crusty garlic bread for sopping up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal with extra vegetables, consider roasted zucchini or steamed broccoli on the side. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy contrast that beautifully complements the savory flavors of the unstuffed peppers.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Unstuffed Peppers Recipe?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Add an extra ½ cup of broth and extend the cooking time by 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
For added heat, include 1-2 diced jalapeños with the bell peppers, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon, or add 1 tablespoon of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the recipe completely, allow it to cool, and refrigerate. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth and tomato products for hidden gluten ingredients. All other components are typically gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked rice to make this faster?
Yes! If using pre-cooked rice, reduce the broth to ½ cup and add the cooked rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking, just long enough to heat through and absorb some flavor.

Conclusion

This Unstuffed Peppers Recipe is comfort food at its finest — a brilliant reinvention of a classic that delivers all the flavor with none of the fuss. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into satisfying family favorites that everyone will request again and again. With its perfect balance of hearty beef, tender rice, and sweet peppers all coated in a savory tomato sauce, this one-pot wonder proves that sometimes, deconstructing a classic can create something even more delicious than the original.

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