Description
Unstuffed Peppers are a delightful twist on the classic stuffed pepper dish, offering all the comforting flavors with minimal fuss. This easy-to-make recipe combines colorful bell peppers, savory ground meat, and aromatic spices into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With gooey cheese melted on top and endless customization options, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 4 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add ground meat to the skillet; cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Mix in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pepper half (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian option, substitute ground meat with beans or lentils. Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or cumin for added flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.