Description
This Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers recipe offers a quick and easy twist on the classic stuffed peppers dish. Combining sautéed ground beef, bell peppers, rice, and tomato sauce in one pan, it cooks in under 45 minutes for a comforting and flavorful dinner topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Main 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
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add vegetables and liquids: Stir in the diced bell peppers, beef broth, tomato sauce, dry white rice, dried basil, oregano, parsley, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
- Bring to boil: Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Simmer and cook rice: Reduce the heat to medium, keep the pan covered, and let cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir every few minutes until the rice is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the pan and cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm for a delicious, comforting dinner.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Bell pepper color can be varied—red, orange, or yellow all work well.
- To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth and substitute beef with plant-based protein crumbles.
- Stirring occasionally during rice cooking prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan before serving.
