Why Make This Recipe
Unstuffed peppers are a quick and easy twist on the classic stuffed pepper dish. This recipe gives you all the tasty flavors without the fuss of stuffing each pepper. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and comforting. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a meal that is both filling and nutritious.
How to Make Unstuffed Peppers
Making unstuffed peppers is simple and takes just a little time. Here’s what you need and how to do it.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer until the rice is cooked, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Cover until the cheese is melted.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Unstuffed Peppers
You can serve unstuffed peppers warm, right out of the skillet. It’s delicious on its own or paired with a side salad. You can also add some fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream on top for extra flavor.
How to Store Unstuffed Peppers
To store leftovers, let the unstuffed peppers cool down completely. Then, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove when ready to eat.
Tips to Make Unstuffed Peppers
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add other vegetables like corn or diced bell peppers to increase the nutrition.
- Adjust the spices to your taste, or add some hot sauce for a kick.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Try using quinoa instead of rice for a healthier grain. You can also make it vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with black beans or lentils.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover rice?
Yes, leftover rice works perfectly! Just add it in after the ground beef is cooked.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free rice and checking the diced tomatoes for any added ingredients.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the mixture for extra heat.
Unstuffed Peppers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 1 cup rice Can use quinoa for a healthier grain.
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese Use your favorite type of cheese.
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer until the rice is cooked, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Cover until the cheese is melted.
- Serve and enjoy!