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Unstuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.3 from 30 reviews

A comforting and easy-to-make Unstuffed Peppers recipe that combines all the classic flavors of stuffed bell peppers without the hassle of stuffing them. Ground beef, green bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and rice are simmered together in one pot, creating a hearty, flavorful dish topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 green bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 4 teaspoons oregano, divided
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 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

  1. Brown the Meat and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped green bell peppers, onion, minced garlic, 3 teaspoons oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened, about 7-10 minutes.
  2. Add Tomato Paste and Rice: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant and well combined. Then add the uncooked rice, canned diced tomatoes, remaining oregano, remaining salt, and water. Stir everything together thoroughly.
  3. 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.
  4. Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered for an additional 5-10 minutes. After resting, fluff the rice mixture with a fork to separate the grains.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Spoon the unstuffed pepper mixture into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese or substitute with a cheese of choice.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
  • If you prefer a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the cooking process.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/unstuffed-peppers-recipe/