Unstuffed Peppers

Craving the flavors of classic stuffed peppers without all the work? This Unstuffed Peppers recipe gives you everything you love—tender bell peppers, savory ground meat, rice, and a rich tomato sauce—in a simplified, one-pan version. It’s a cozy, nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the Flavor, Less Fuss – No stuffing or baking required.
One-Pot Meal – Everything cooks in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Family-Friendly – Mild, hearty, and totally customizable.
Nutritious – Packed with lean protein, veggies, and whole grains.
Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and reheat throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil (only if using lean chicken or turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Extra chopped parsley or basil

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Meat & Onion

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add olive oil if needed, then cook ground beef or chicken, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Add diced onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until meat is browned and onion is soft.

Step 2: Add Garlic & Bell Peppers
4. Stir in garlic and diced bell peppers.
5. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, just until peppers begin to soften.

Step 3: Stir in the Tomatoes & Seasoning
6. Add diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
7. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer & Blend Flavors
8. Cover and simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Serve
10. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top, cover for 2–3 minutes to let it melt.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley or your favorite toppings and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Unstuffed Peppers
Use Cooked Rice – Saves time and blends perfectly into the mixture.
Dice Peppers Evenly – Ensures they cook at the same rate and keep some texture.
Add Spice – Stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Make It Vegetarian – Use cooked lentils or plant-based meat instead of ground meat.
Use a Mix of Peppers – Colorful bell peppers add sweetness and variety.

Serving Suggestions
Simple Side Salad – A light, crunchy contrast to the hearty skillet.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Steamed Veggies – Add broccoli or green beans for even more nutrition.
Mashed Potatoes – For a cozy, comforting pairing.
Lemon Water or Iced Tea – Refreshing drinks to balance the richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use uncooked rice?
   It’s best to use cooked rice, but if using uncooked, increase tomato sauce and simmer longer until rice is tender.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Absolutely. Just skip the cheese topping or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. What meat works best?
   Ground beef is traditional, but chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat all work well.
4. Can I make it low-carb?
   Yes! Substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   Yes. Brown the meat first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.

Final Thoughts

Unstuffed Peppers are the ultimate solution for when you want hearty, comforting flavor with minimal effort. This skillet dish brings all the best parts of classic stuffed peppers—savory meat, sweet peppers, tangy tomatoes, and satisfying rice—into one easy, family-approved meal.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your version.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 580mg

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