If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but want a quicker, fuss-free meal, this Unstuffed Peppers Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish. Imagine juicy ground beef mingling with tender bell peppers, rich tomato sauce, and fluffy rice, all brought together in one skillet with melted cheese finishing it off. It’s packed with vibrant colors and warm, familiar tastes that give you everything you love about stuffed peppers—without the extra work of hollowing and filling each pepper. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this recipe always feels like a welcome hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a balanced meal full of flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a key role: the ground beef provides heartiness, the bell peppers add sweetness and crunch, and the rice rounds everything out with comforting softness.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean or regular depending on your preference for flavor and fat content.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sauté the onion and garlic for a fragrant base.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a robust, aromatic punch.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a fresh and slightly bitter crunch.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds color and a sweeter pepper flavor.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: Introduces juicy bursts of acidity and moisture.
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce: Creates a rich, saucy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Lends a fragrant herb blend that ties the dish together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right subtle heat.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Makes the dish more filling and soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Melts on top, adding gooey, savory goodness.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Brings a bright, fresh note to finish.
How to Make Unstuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until the onions are translucent and the mixture smells heavenly. This simple step forms the foundation of flavor, giving your dish a wonderful savory boost.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef straight into the skillet. Cook it thoroughly, breaking up any clumps with a spatula until it’s nicely browned all over. Then, drain off excess fat so your unstuffed peppers stay rich but not greasy.
Step 3: Cook the Bell Peppers
Stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers, letting them soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key: you want your peppers tender but still slightly crisp to keep that satisfying texture contrast in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then stir everything until well blended. This sauce becomes the heartwarming tie that brightens and deepens the dish’s flavor profile.
Step 5: Let It Simmer
Reduce the heat slightly and bring your mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken just enough to coat the ingredients perfectly.
Step 6: Stir in the Cooked Rice
Mix in the cooked rice thoroughly, making sure every grain is saturated with that rich tomato-beef goodness. This makes your unstuffed peppers feel comforting and satisfying without the fuss of stuffing actual peppers.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese right on top. Let it melt gently over the warm mixture, adding a luscious cheesy layer that invites everyone to dive in.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and freshness. Now it’s ready to serve, warm and inviting, perfect for any night of the week.
How to Serve Unstuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh parsley is lovely for a visual lift and subtle freshness, but feel free to scatter some sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. These finishing touches brighten the plate and enhance the experience.
Side Dishes
This Unstuffed Peppers Recipe feels like a complete meal on its own, but a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad works wonderfully to balance the sauce’s richness and add some crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style right from the skillet for a cozy, informal dinner. Or plate individual portions topped with cheese and herbs for a more refined presentation. You can even scoop it onto baked potatoes for a fun twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your unstuffed peppers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient option for weekday lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Just portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will stay good for up to 3 months. When you want a hearty meal on the fly, thaw overnight and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. If it looks dry, splash a bit of water or broth to keep it saucy and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I make this Unstuffed Peppers Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef for sautéing. The peppers and tomato sauce continue to shine as the main stars.
What type of rice works best?
White rice or brown rice both work well. Just be sure it’s fully cooked beforehand since this dish only reheats the rice without further cooking during the recipe.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a bit of spice or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra depth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Unstuffed Peppers Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check ingredient labels on canned tomato products and seasonings to avoid any additives with gluten.
How spicy is the dish? Can I make it hotter?
It’s generally mild, but you can turn up the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños along with the bell peppers. Adjust to taste!
Final Thoughts
This Unstuffed Peppers Recipe is like a warm embrace on a plate, combining simplicity with vibrant flavors that delight every time. It’s perfect whether you’re craving comfort food on a busy weeknight or looking for a dish that feels special without extra work. Give it a try and watch it earn a spot in your family dinner rotation—you won’t regret it!
Print
Unstuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Unstuffed Peppers recipe offers all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle of hollowing out peppers. Ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a tomato-rich sauce are simmered together, then mixed with rice and topped with melted cheese for a comforting and easy skillet meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
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
Pantry and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice
Dairy and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté 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, signaling the foundation for the dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and thoroughly cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Cook Peppers: Stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers start to soften but retain some texture.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then mix in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all flavors.
- Simmer Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Rice: Stir in the cooked rice, mixing thoroughly to combine and heat through, ensuring the rice absorbs some of the flavorful sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Allow it to melt gently from the residual heat before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley to add a touch of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover rice or cook rice fresh ahead of time to streamline preparation.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
