Name: Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; ½ cup diced onion; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 3 cups diced red bell pepper (orange or yellow work too!); 2 cup low sodium beef broth; 15 oz can tomato sauce; 1 cup dry white rice; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers but want a quicker, fuss-free twist, this Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Recipe is going to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine all the bold tastes of tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, aromatic herbs, and melty mozzarella coming together in one sizzling skillet, with the rice cooked right in, no hollowing peppers required. It’s an easy, satisfying dish that bursts with color and flavor in under 45 minutes – perfect for busy evenings when you crave home-cooked goodness without the stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan with white handle contains cooked ground meat mixed with small bits of cooked onion, showing a crumbly texture and brown color with some white pieces scattered on top. Around the pan, there are several white bowls on a white marbled surface: one bowl holds uncooked white rice, another has a mix of red and orange diced bell peppers, and a third contains mixed dried herbs and spices arranged in sections. A clear jug with a brown liquid is partially visible on the right side. The image shows a clean and organized cooking scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the juicy bell peppers adding fresh sweetness to the hearty ground beef for richness, every component contributes to an unforgettable dish.

Olive oil: The perfect base to brown your beef and develop richness with a hint of fruitiness.
Ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty core of the dish with satisfying texture.
Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
Minced garlic: Brings aromatic, warm spice that wakes up the dish.
Red bell pepper: Offers crunch and a pop of vibrant color – orange or yellow peppers work beautifully as well.
Low sodium beef broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that the rice absorbs for succulent results.
Tomato sauce: Infuses the dish with tangy sweetness and unifies all the flavors.
Dry white rice: Cooks right in the pan, soaking up all the delicious juices for a tender bite every time.
Dried basil, oregano, parsley: A classic herbal trio that adds freshness and complexity.
Black pepper: The final seasoning touch to balance and brighten the dish.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted on top for that irresistible creamy, gooey finish.

How to Make Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 10 minutes, breaking it apart constantly with a spatula until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This step builds the savory foundation, locking in flavor and texture.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Once the beef is ready, stir in diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté this mixture for about 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly translucent, letting these aromatics soften and sweeten to complement the rich beef.

Step 3: Add Peppers and Liquids

Next, toss in the diced red bell peppers along with beef broth and tomato sauce. This combination creates a vibrant, saucy base that will keep the rice tender and flavorful as it cooks.

Step 4: Mix in Rice and Herbs

Stir in the dry white rice accompanied by dried basil, oregano, parsley, and black pepper. These herbs harmonize the dish, evoking the essence of traditional stuffed peppers without any extra effort.

Step 5: Cook Covered Until Rice is Tender

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cover. Simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked perfectly tender, soaking up all those beautiful flavors.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Turn the heat to low, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, cover once again, and let it melt into a luscious, creamy topping that ties every element together.

How to Serve Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Recipe

A white speckled plate holds a layered dish with three main layers; the bottom layer is a mix of orange rice with visible small red and yellow bell pepper pieces, the middle is a ground meat layer with a brownish color scattered evenly through the rice, and the top layer is melted white cheese with some yellow-brown spots from baking and small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a black cast iron skillet containing a similar dish and another white speckled plate with the same food portion. A woman's hand with a fork is partially visible near the bottom left of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil instantly brightens the appearance and flavor, adding a fresh, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese. For a bit of extra zing, a drizzle of tangy sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt pairs wonderfully as well.

Side Dishes

This deconstructed delight can stand happily on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread to sop up any leftover sauce. Light steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli will add nice balance without overpowering the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Recipe straight from the pan for a cozy family-style meal, or plate it up in colorful bowls sprinkled with extra cheese and herbs for a more polished presentation. You can even pack it into meal prep containers to enjoy warm leftovers that taste just as satisfying the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. This Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for make-ahead dinners or tasty lunch reheats.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish successfully by transferring cooled portions into freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy that comforting flavor whenever you want with minimal effort.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep it moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works really well in this recipe, keeping the dish lighter but still full of flavor.

Is it necessary to add broth to the recipe?

The broth adds essential moisture and depth of flavor for the rice to cook perfectly and soak in those savory notes. Water alone won’t give quite the same result.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and tomato sauce, which most varieties are. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.

What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?

Feel free to substitute with other melty cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mild provolone. The dish will still be creamy and delicious.

How spicy is the dish? Can I add heat?

The basic recipe is mild, making it friendly for all tastes, but you can easily add pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño when cooking the onions to give it a nice kick.

Final Thoughts

Give this Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Recipe a go and you’ll quickly understand why it’s such a beloved shortcut to comfort food bliss. It captures all those familiar flavors in an easy, speedy skillet meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro looking for a fuss-free dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy with every bite. Happy cooking!