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
Scale
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.
