Unstuffed Peppers Recipe 🫑

Welcome, dear readers! Today, I’m excited to share with you my favorite twist on a classic comfort dish: Unstuffed Peppers. This recipe is a time-saver, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and wholesome. The rich flavors of seasoned beef, vibrant peppers, and melty mozzarella come together in a single pot, making it not only delicious but also a breeze to clean up. So, let’s dive into the magic of making this delightful dish!

Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient in this recipe brings its own unique character to the table:

• 1 lb Ground Hamburger: This is the heart of our dish, providing a rich and savory foundation. Season it with a medley of seasoning salt, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper to infuse deep flavors right from the start.
• Diced Peppers and Onions: These colorful vegetables add a natural sweetness and a lovely crunch, balancing the savory beef perfectly.
• 24 oz of Sauce: Your favorite tomato sauce will do the trick here. A sprinkle of sugar is the secret to cutting through the acidity and enhancing the flavors.
• 1.5 Cups of Water or Beef Broth: This adds necessary moisture to cook the rice and meld all the ingredients together. Beef broth adds extra depth of flavor.
• 1 Cup Uncooked Rice: This will absorb the flavors of the dish, becoming tender and delightful.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkled on top, this cheese melts into a gooey, golden topping that makes the dish irresistible.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Beef:

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground hamburger and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with seasoning salt, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper to taste.

2. Add Vegetables:

Once the beef is nicely browned, toss in the diced peppers and onions. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.

3. Drain Grease:

Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to ensure your dish isn’t too oily.

4. Add Sauce and Liquid:

Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle a little sugar to balance the flavors. Add the water or beef broth and stir well to combine.

5. Stir in Rice:

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, making sure it’s evenly distributed. This allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.

6. Simmer:

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and tender.

7. Add Cheese:

Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover again for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping.

8. Serve:

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting, flavorful unstuffed peppers!

Helpful Tips

Choosing Your Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter and avoid excess grease.

Perfect Rice: For the best texture, use long-grain rice. It cooks evenly and absorbs flavors beautifully.

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for an extra layer of umami.

Cheese Lovers: For an extra cheesy delight, mix some shredded mozzarella directly into the skillet before sprinkling more on top.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative. Just adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor. Note that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or increase the amount of vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How can I add more vegetables?

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms. Just dice them finely and add them in with the peppers and onions.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Unstuffed Peppers is a versatile and satisfying dish that brings all the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers with a fraction of the effort. Whether you’re a busy mom looking for a quick weeknight meal or someone who loves hearty, homemade dinners, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking