Detailed Unstuffed Peppers Recipe 🫑
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef: Lean ground beef (85% lean) works best, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 large bell pepper (or 2 small): Diced into small cubes. You can use red, yellow, or green bell peppers (or a mix for extra color).
- 1 medium onion: Finely diced. Yellow or white onions work best for a subtle flavor.
- 24 oz jar of marinara or tomato sauce: Choose a sauce with a flavor you love, as it forms the base of the dish.
- 1 tbsp sugar: This is optional but helps balance the acidity in the tomato sauce.
- 1.5 cups water or beef broth: Beef broth will add a deeper flavor, while water will keep it lighter.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice: Long-grain rice (like basmati) works well, as it cooks evenly. Brown rice can also work but may need extra cooking time and more liquid.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts best. You can add extra if you like a very cheesy topping.
Seasoning
- Seasoning salt: About 1 tsp, or to taste.
- Steak seasoning: 1/2 tsp for an extra layer of flavor (optional).
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp.
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp or to taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the bell peppers and onion. Set aside.
- Measure out all seasonings and other ingredients for easy access during cooking.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it begins to brown.
- Sprinkle in seasoning salt, steak seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper as the beef cooks.
- Tip: Let the beef sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes after adding seasonings to develop a nice sear, then stir.
- Continue cooking until browned, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add Bell Peppers and Onion:
- Add the diced bell peppers and onion to the skillet.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until they start to soften, stirring occasionally.
- Tip: If you like a softer texture for the peppers and onion, cook them longer, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain Excess Grease:
- Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
- Tip: To drain safely, tilt the skillet slightly and use a large spoon or ladle to remove the excess liquid. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a paper towel-lined plate, then return to the skillet.
- Add Sauce and Broth:
- Pour in the jar of marinara or tomato sauce.
- Add the 1.5 cups of water or beef broth and 1 tbsp of sugar if desired.
- Stir everything to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
- Add Rice:
- Pour the uncooked rice directly into the skillet, stirring to ensure the rice is well incorporated into the sauce.
- Tip: Make sure the rice is evenly spread out so it cooks uniformly.
- Simmer and Cook:
- Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the mixture simmer for about 25 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Tip: Check around the 20-minute mark to see if the rice is tender. Add a splash of water or broth if needed for extra moisture.
- Add Cheese:
- Once the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Cover the skillet again for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese melts to your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cheese has melted, the Unstuffed Peppers are ready to serve!
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
This unstuffed pepper recipe gives you the delicious taste of stuffed peppers with far less work. Perfect for weeknight meals!