Description
This Unstuffed Peppers Recipe offers a delicious and easy alternative to traditional stuffed peppers by combining all the classic ingredients into one skillet dish. Ground beef, green bell peppers, rice, and aromatic seasonings are cooked together in a savory tomato base, then topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. It’s a comforting, hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 teaspoons oregano
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- ½ cup basmati rice, uncooked and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce canned diced tomatoes
- ½ cup hot water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat and Brown Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped green peppers, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables have softened.
- Add Tomato Paste: If using, stir in the tomato paste and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is well combined and fragrant, enhancing the richness of the dish.
- Add Rice and Tomatoes: Add the uncooked rinsed basmati rice, canned diced tomatoes, and hot water to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook undisturbed for 20 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and absorb the flavorful juices.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered. Allow it to rest for an additional 5 minutes to finish cooking by steam. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Serve: Spoon the unstuffed pepper mixture into bowls. Garnish each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and color. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste do not contain any gluten additives.
- Using basmati rice gives a nice fluffy texture, but you can substitute with long-grain rice if preferred.
- If you like it spicier, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Optional cheese can be omitted for a lower-fat version or replaced with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
