Description
Unstuffed peppers are a quick and easy version of the classic stuffed pepper dish. This one-pan meal combines ground meat, bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and spices for a hearty, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef or turkey. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and chopped bell peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
- Add diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika if using. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld and the peppers fully cook.
- Stir in cooked rice and mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.Swap in ground chicken or sausage for a different protein profile.Make it vegetarian by using lentils or black beans instead of meat.This dish freezes well for easy meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
