Spice, tender meat, rice, and melted cheese—everything you love about stuffed peppers, but in skillet form.
I’m a big fan of stuffed peppers. But sometimes I just don’t want to put in all the effort to core and cut the bell peppers. If you’re like me and you want an easy-peasy dish that tastes just as spicy and juicy—without the hassle—check out this unstuffed peppers recipe. This dish features all the same ingredients, but the peppers are chopped and mixed into the rich filling.
Each bite tastes just like a mildly spiced stuffed pepper, with that savory, meaty, earthy cheesiness enveloped in slightly acidic tomato sauce. But there’s no whole pepper to stuff, making this version not only easier to prepare but also easier to eat. All you need is a bowl and a spoon, whereas stuffed peppers tend to be messier and fall apart when you pick them up.
Plus, this is a one-pan meal that’s a breeze to clean up after—and it’s plate-ready in under an hour. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or special weekend dinner, unstuffed peppers are a great way to bring family and friends together. When the craving for stuffed peppers hits, this dish satisfies it quickly.
How to make vegetarian unstuffed peppers
While this recipe calls for ground beef and beef broth, it’s easy to adapt it for a vegetarian version. Simply replace the beef with chickpeas and the beef broth with vegetable broth, and you’re good to go. The key here is to use one 14-ounce can of chickpeas for every one pound of ground beef and then crush the chickpeas into a flaky paste with either a fork or potato masher. While the texture ends up being slightly different, it still acts as a perfect plant-based complement for all those scrumptious seasonings and cheese. I also like to add half a cup of cooked black beans for extra protein. If you really want to amp up the complex flavors of this dish, try this Roasted Chickpeas Recipe that includes a hint of curry spice.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled, store leftover unstuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot throughout.
Serving suggestions
These unstuffed peppers make for a satisfying meal on their own, but they also pair well with a number of side dishes. Consider serving it with a side of Gluten-Free Tortillas, Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips, Keto Flatbread, or Sweet Potato Cornbread. For more greens, pair this dish with Crispy Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts, a Spring Salad, or some Crock-Pot Green Beans.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 bell peppers any color, chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 10 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 ounces) drained
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
- 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar optional
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped bell peppers, onion, and garlic along with the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables start to soften, about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and rinsed rice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 15 to 25 minutes. If at any point the mixture seems dry, add more broth as needed.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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