If you’re craving all the vibrant flavors of classic stuffed peppers but want something quicker and easier to whip up, this Unstuffed Peppers Recipe is your new best friend. It captures everything you love about the traditional dish—the savory seasoned ground beef, tender bell peppers, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese—without any of the hassle of hollowing out peppers. Every spoonful delivers comforting, hearty goodness with layers of color and texture that make this a weeknight dinner winner you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, yet each plays a vital role in creating the delicious balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color in the Unstuffed Peppers Recipe. Nothing here is complicated, and with just a handful of components, you’ll have a showstopping dish on your table.
- Ground beef: Provides rich, savory protein that’s the hearty base of the recipe.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and adds a touch of healthy fat for flavor.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, mellow depth when sautéed until translucent.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a hint of pungency that makes the dish pop.
- Green bell pepper: Offers crisp, fresh brightness and texture.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and a gorgeous splash of color.
- Diced tomatoes: Provide juicy acidity and moisture to keep everything saucy.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, rich tomato base to bring all flavors together.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with fragrant herbs for a comforting, classic touch.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick for depth.
- Cooked rice: Bulks up the dish and soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Melts beautifully on top, adding gooey, creamy goodness.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herbal garnish to brighten each bite visually and in flavor.
How to Make Unstuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Begin by heating your olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently until the onion turns translucent and tender. This step builds a fragrant flavor base that sets the tone for the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to your skillet. Cook it thoroughly until browned and no longer pink, allowing it to develop that rich, savory character. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy, letting the flavors shine through instead.
Step 3: Cook the Bell Peppers
Stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers, cooking them just for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften slightly while retaining a bit of crunch to give the dish a wonderful textural contrast and a burst of fresh flavor.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well, combining those classic Italian flavors with juicy tomato goodness for an irresistible aroma and taste.
Step 5: Simmer to Blend Flavors
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This gives the flavors time to marry perfectly, resulting in a thick, rich sauce that clings to every bite.
Step 6: Stir in the Cooked Rice
Add your cooked rice to the skillet, mixing it thoroughly to ensure every grain captures some of that savory sauce. The rice gives the dish substance, making it filling and comforting.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese on Top
Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top of the hot skillet. Allow it to melt slowly, creating that gooey, mouthwatering layer that everyone loves.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of green and a bright herbal note that perfectly balances the rich flavors.
How to Serve Unstuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds color and a subtle freshness. For an extra twist, you could also add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle some chopped green onions to bring a fun, tangy contrast to the comforting flavors.
Side Dishes
This Unstuffed Peppers Recipe pairs delightfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also fantastic companions to soak up every bit of that flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive meal, serve the unstuffed peppers over roasted spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb yet satisfying. You could also layer it inside small ramekins, baking with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, gratin-style presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Portion the cooled unstuffed peppers into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a convenient and tasty meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the unstuffed peppers in a microwave-safe dish covered loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Alternatively, heat gently in a skillet on the stove over low to medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Unstuffed Peppers Recipe, offering a leaner alternative. You might want to add a bit more oil during cooking to keep it moist.
Is it necessary to use both green and red bell peppers?
Not at all. Using both adds a nice mix of sweetness and color, but you can use whichever bell peppers you have on hand. Yellow or orange peppers would also be delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes! Since the ingredients are naturally gluten free, just ensure your seasoning blends and tomato products do not contain added gluten. It’s an easy, naturally gluten-free comfort meal.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and refrigerate before cooking?
You can prep all the ingredients and combine them ahead of time, then store in the fridge for a day. When ready, cook the dish as usual for the best fresh flavor.
What cheese works best for melting on top?
Mozzarella offers a creamy, stretchy melt, while cheddar adds sharpness and richness. You can even mix the two to get the best of both worlds in your Unstuffed Peppers Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting about the flavors and textures in this Unstuffed Peppers Recipe that it quickly becomes a go-to meal for all seasons. It’s simple to make, flexible enough for all kinds of tweaks, and thoroughly satisfying. I hope you try it soon and enjoy the ease and deliciousness it brings to your table as much as I do!
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Unstuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Unstuffed Peppers offers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle of stuffing. Ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice come together in a hearty skillet meal topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Tomato Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
- Cook Peppers: Stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers. Let them cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but retain some crunch.
- Add Tomatoes and Season: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and the tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Mixture: Bring everything to a gentle simmer to let the flavors meld together. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Rice: Stir in the cooked rice thoroughly, making sure it is evenly distributed and warmed through within the pepper and tomato mixture.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the top. Cover the skillet or reduce heat and let the cheese melt, creating a creamy layer before removing the skillet from heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot as a comforting and easy meal.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked rice to save time or cook fresh rice before starting the recipe.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Try different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for varied flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
