Description
This Unstuffed Peppers recipe delivers all the classic flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a quicker, easier bowl form. Ground beef, green bell peppers, onions, and rice are simmered together with tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and aromatic herbs to create a comforting and well-balanced meal topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 teaspoons oregano, divided
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 15 ounce canned diced tomatoes
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook Beef Mixture: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped green peppers, chopped onion, minced garlic, 3 teaspoons oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste and Rice: Stir in the tomato paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes until well combined and fragrant. Add the uncooked rice, canned diced tomatoes, remaining 1 teaspoon oregano, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and water. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Let it Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking. Then fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the unstuffed pepper mixture into bowls and garnish each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe is a quicker alternative to traditional stuffed peppers, eliminating the need to hollow out peppers and bake them separately.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the tomato paste and canned tomatoes do not contain any gluten additives.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more herbs or spices like paprika or chili flakes for a spicier dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 333 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 815 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
