Unstuffed Peppers

Unstuffed Peppers

What’s great about this recipe

Unstuffed peppers offer all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the hassle. This one-pot dish combines ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, making it an easy and comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s also a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit your taste.

How to make Unstuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: bell peppers (chopped)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Add rice and diced tomatoes (with juice); stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
7. Stir in shredded cheese until melted.
8. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped bell peppers.

How to serve Unstuffed Peppers

Serve unstuffed peppers hot, directly from the skillet. You can garnish with additional chopped bell peppers, fresh herbs, or extra cheese on top. Pair them with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to store Unstuffed Peppers

To store leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze unstuffed peppers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the microwave or on the stove.

Tips to make Unstuffed Peppers

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add your favorite vegetables, such as corn or black beans, for more nutrition.
• For a spicy kick, include some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or feta.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with lentils or quinoa. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to increase the cooking time. Brown rice usually takes longer to cook, so adjust the simmering time accordingly.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture in advance, store it in the fridge, and cook it when you’re ready to eat. This makes it a great option for meal prep.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free rice, and ensuring that other ingredients (like the diced tomatoes) are gluten-free certified.