Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Introduction

Deconstructed stuffed peppers offer all the delicious flavors of classic stuffed peppers without the hassle of coring and stuffing. This hearty one-pan dish combines ground beef, bell peppers, and rice in a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting meal.

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 cups 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

1. Step 1: In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 10 minutes, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks until browned and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Drain excess grease if needed, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced bell peppers, beef broth, tomato sauce, dry rice, dried basil, oregano, parsley, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. Step 5: Cover the pan and bring to a boil, which should take about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, cover again, and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Drain excess grease from the skillet before adding seasonings to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
• Preheat the beef broth in the microwave until warm before adding it to the pan; this helps the mixture come to a boil faster.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Top with grated Parmesan instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help keep the rice moist when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust cooking time accordingly and add extra broth as needed.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 53 reviews

This delicious Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers recipe offers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the fuss of stuffing. Ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs are simmered together in a savory tomato sauce until tender and flavorful. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this one-pan dish is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 cups 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

1. Heat the Oil and Cook Beef: In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks until browned and cooked through.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Sauté for 3 minutes until the onions soften and garlic is fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables, Rice, and Seasonings: Stir in the diced bell peppers, beef broth, tomato sauce, white rice, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
4. Bring to Boil and Simmer: Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil, which will take about 5 minutes. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, keep covered, and cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir every few minutes until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Top with Cheese and Melt: Once the rice is tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Cover the pan and cook over low heat until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.

Notes

• Drain excess grease from the skillet after browning the beef to avoid a greasy dish.
• Preheat the beef broth in the microwave before adding to the pan to speed up the cooking process.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth with beans or lentils instead.
• Use fresh herbs if available for a more vibrant flavor.
• Stir gently to avoid breaking up the rice grains while cooking.

Keywords: Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers, ground beef recipe, one-pan dinner, bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, easy weeknight meal