Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
