Unstuffed Pepper Bowls – Best Easy Weeknight Meal

Introduction

Are you craving the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers but don’t have the time or energy for all that stuffing? Then get ready to meet your new best friend: Unstuffed Pepper Bowls! Imagine all the deliciousness – savory ground meat, tender bell peppers, and flavorful rice – all coming together in a simple, satisfying bowl. I remember one particularly hectic week when I was craving stuffed peppers but the thought of scooping out peppers and carefully filling them felt like a monumental task. That’s when the idea for these easy Unstuffed Pepper Bowls struck me, and they’ve been a weeknight staple ever since! What makes these bowls so special is how they capture the essence of stuffed peppers without any of the fuss. They’re incredibly simple to prepare, cook up in a flash, and are always a hit with the entire family. If you’ve enjoyed our popular recipe for easy taco bowls or our quick burrito bowls, you are absolutely going to adore these flavorful and convenient Unstuffed Pepper Bowls! Let’s get cooking and make dinnertime a breeze!

What is Unstuffed Pepper Bowls?

Ever wondered why we call them Unstuffed Pepper Bowls? Well, it’s pretty straightforward – it’s all the fantastic flavor of traditional stuffed peppers, just without the actual stuffing part! Think of it as taking all the best components – the seasoned ground meat, the sweet bell peppers, the hearty rice, and the savory tomato sauce – and serving them in a convenient and easy-to-eat bowl. I once playfully described it to my kids as a “deconstructed stuffed pepper party in a bowl!” It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy those classic flavors without the extra effort of preparing the peppers for stuffing. As they say, ‘the way to a happy family dinner is often through a delicious and easy recipe like these Unstuffed Pepper Bowls!’ Ready to give this simple twist on a classic a try?

Why You’ll Love This Unstuffed Pepper Bowls

There are so many reasons why these Unstuffed Pepper Bowls will quickly become a go-to in your weeknight meal rotation. The main highlight is the incredible flavor combination. You get the savory, perfectly seasoned ground meat, the slightly sweet and tender bell peppers, and the comforting, fluffy rice, all coated in a delicious and slightly tangy tomato-based sauce. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures that’s both satisfying and incredibly appealing.

Making these Unstuffed Pepper Bowls at home is not only incredibly easy but also a fantastic way to save money compared to ordering takeout or buying pre-made meals. You likely already have many of the ingredients in your pantry, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover rice you might have on hand.

What makes these Unstuffed Pepper Bowls particularly special are the simple yet flavorful ingredients that bring them to life. The combination of ground beef (or turkey), colorful bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onions, garlic, and a blend of warm spices creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. The ability to customize the toppings further adds to the appeal, allowing everyone in the family to create their perfect bowl. If you enjoy the ease and deliciousness of our one-pan sausage and peppers recipe, you’ll find these Unstuffed Pepper Bowls to be another incredibly convenient and flavorful option for a quick and satisfying meal. So, are you ready to experience the ease and flavor of these fantastic bowls? Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Bowls

Quick Overview

Making these delicious Unstuffed Pepper Bowls is incredibly simple and quick! The process involves just a few easy steps. First, you’ll sauté some chopped onions and bell peppers until they start to soften. Then, you’ll brown your ground meat (beef or turkey) in the same pan. Once the meat is cooked, you’ll add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, and some flavorful spices. Everything simmers together for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Finally, you’ll serve this hearty mixture over more fluffy rice. The key features of this recipe are its simplicity, the fantastic taste that mimics stuffed peppers, and the satisfying combination of meat, vegetables, and rice. With a preparation time of around 15 minutes and a cooking time of about 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying Unstuffed Pepper Bowls ready for your family in no time.

Key Ingredients for Unstuffed Pepper Bowls

Here’s a list of all the delicious and simple ingredients you’ll need to make these easy Unstuffed Pepper Bowls. Using fresh, good-quality ingredients will ensure the best flavor!

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 2 bell peppers (any color), cored, seeded, and diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro

A Note on Ingredients:

• Ground Meat: You can use ground beef or ground turkey depending on your preference. Lean ground beef or turkey works well.
• Bell Peppers: Use any color of bell pepper you like – red, yellow, orange, or green. A mix of colors adds visual appeal.
• Cooked Rice: You can use freshly cooked rice or leftover rice to save time.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the dish. Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
• Spices: The combination of oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a classic stuffed pepper flavor profile. Feel free to adjust to your liking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make these easy and delicious Unstuffed Pepper Bowls? Follow these simple instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
   
2. Add Garlic and Brown the Meat: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, draining off any excess grease.
   
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, beef broth, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
   
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
   
5. Serve: Once the Unstuffed Pepper Bowls are heated through and the sauce has thickened, they are ready to serve. Ladle the mixture into bowls.
   
6. Add Toppings (Optional): Top each bowl with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and some chopped fresh cilantro.
   
7. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and easy Unstuffed Pepper Bowls!
   

What to Serve Unstuffed Pepper Bowls With

These Unstuffed Pepper Bowls are a complete and satisfying meal on their own, but you can certainly pair them with some delicious sides to round out your dinner. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing element. Some warm cornbread or garlic bread would be perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli would be a great choice. For a little extra creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of the bowls is always a welcome addition.

Top Tips for Perfecting Unstuffed Pepper Bowls

Here are a few tips to make your Unstuffed Pepper Bowls even better:

• Dice Peppers Uniformly: Dicing the bell peppers into similar-sized pieces will help them cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcook the Meat: Cook the ground meat until just browned to keep it tender. Overcooking can make it dry.
• Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Before serving, taste the Unstuffed Pepper Bowls and adjust the salt, pepper, or other spices to your liking.
• Use Different Colored Peppers: Using a variety of bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, and green) will not only add visual appeal but also a slightly different flavor profile to your dish.
• Add a Little Heat: If you like a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet while sautéing the vegetables.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing: Leftover Unstuffed Pepper Bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage ¹ (up to 3 months). Make sure to let the bowls cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers.  

Reheating: To reheat refrigerated Unstuffed Pepper Bowls, simply transfer them to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat them in the microwave. For frozen bowls, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the mixture seems too dry after thawing.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a simple and delicious recipe for Unstuffed Pepper Bowls! We hope this easy weeknight meal becomes a new favorite in your household. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how your Unstuffed Pepper Bowls turned out! For more easy and delicious weeknight meal ideas, be sure to check out our other recipes. Happy cooking!