Unstuffed Bell Peppers

Savor the comforting flavors of stuffed bell peppers without the hassle of hollowing and stuffing with this easy and hearty Unstuffed Bell Peppers recipe! Made with juicy ground beef (or turkey), vibrant diced bell peppers, tender cooked rice, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with Italian seasoning and smoked paprika, this one-skillet wonder comes together in just 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is topped with gooey melted cheese for an extra layer of indulgence and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Packed with nutrients and loaded with flavor, this family-friendly meal is as satisfying as it is simple. Serve it on its own or pair it with a crisp green salad for a wholesome dinner everyone will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 3 large bell peppers (any color, diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups white or brown rice (cooked)
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 5

Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the cooked rice and mix well until evenly distributed. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Step 10

Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your unstuffed bell peppers!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2264.1 grams (2264.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2602

Total Fat 147.90g	190%
Saturated Fat 63.40g	317%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 483mg	161%
Sodium 3767mg	164%
Total Carbohydrate 189.70g	69%
Dietary Fiber 21.30g	76%
Total Sugars 44.90g
Protein 128.90g	258%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1071mg	82%
Iron 17mg	95%
Potassium 3520mg	75%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.1%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 29.1%