Description
All the classic flavors of stuffed peppers—without the fuss! This Unstuffed Peppers recipe is a one-pan wonder filled with juicy ground beef, sweet bell peppers, tender rice, and a zesty tomato base. It’s hearty, healthy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.Add Aromatics:
Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.Add the Peppers:
Add chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften.Season:
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir to coat the mixture evenly.Add Tomato Base:
Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Mix well and let simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.Add Rice:
Stir in the cooked rice until well combined. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.Top with Cheese (Optional):
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover with a lid and let it melt for 1-2 minutes.Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Make it low-carb by swapping rice with cauliflower rice.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- This dish also works great with ground turkey or chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop