Unstuffed Peppers

Love stuffed peppers but not the hassle? These Unstuffed Peppers are everything you love—tender bell peppers, hearty beef, flavorful rice, and a rich tomato sauce—all made in one skillet. It’s a cozy, comforting dinner that’s quick to prepare and even better as leftovers.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get simple, hearty meals the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks together, saving you time and dishes.
All the Flavor, No Stuffing – Skip the prep work without missing out on the taste.
Weeknight Friendly – Ready in about 30 minutes with basic pantry ingredients.
Customizable – Easily adapt to your diet or taste preferences.
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Serving & Garnish:

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

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• 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 diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add ground beef or chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in chopped bell peppers and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes until peppers begin to soften.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
6. Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 3: Stir in Cooked Rice and Cheese
8. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir until well combined.
9. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top and cover with a lid for 2–3 minutes to melt.
10. Remove from heat and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
11. Top with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
12. Serve hot with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Best Unstuffed Peppers
Use Leftover Rice – This recipe is a great way to use up extra cooked rice from the fridge.
Choose Colorful Peppers – Red, yellow, and orange add sweetness and brightness to the dish.
Add More Veggies – Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be stirred in for extra nutrition.
Spice It Up – Add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a bolder kick.
Finish with Cheese – Melty mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan takes it to the next level.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping and soaking up the sauce.
Side Salad – Keep it light and refreshing with greens, cucumbers, and vinaigrette.
Mashed Potatoes – For a hearty, comforting twist.
Roasted Veggies – Carrots, green beans, or cauliflower pair beautifully.
Steamed Broccoli – Adds color and fiber to your plate.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use uncooked rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to add extra liquid (like broth) and simmer longer to cook the rice fully in the pan.

2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the meat with lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu for a meatless version.

3. What kind of rice works best?
Both white and brown rice work great. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

4. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then transfer all ingredients (except the cheese) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Final Thoughts
This Unstuffed Peppers recipe is the definition of comfort food—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. It delivers the delicious taste of traditional stuffed peppers without the extra steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Try it once, and it’s sure to make its way into your regular dinner rotation. Cozy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make—it’s everything a home-cooked meal should be.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 480mg

Print