Unstuffed peppers offer all the hearty flavor of traditional stuffed peppers with half the effort. This easy, one-skillet dinner transforms fresh bell peppers into a tender, savory base for ground beef, rice, and melty cheese.

With a quick 30-minute cooking time, the peppers are charred to perfection, creating a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich, savory filling. The dish comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

Balsamic vinegar and fresh parsley add a burst of brightness, while Monterey Jack cheese ties everything together in a creamy, satisfying finish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Unstuffed Peppers Ingredients

Bell peppers bring a vibrant, smoky sweetness, softened and charred to perfection, adding both color and flavor depth to this skillet dish.

Lean ground beef offers a hearty, savory base, absorbing the flavors of garlic and onions while providing satisfying protein.

Balsamic vinegar balances the richness with a touch of acidity, enhancing the overall taste and tying together the savory and sweet elements.

Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy finish that brings the dish together in a gooey, indulgent layer.

Unstuffed Peppers Recipe

Unstuffed peppers provide all the flavor and comfort of the traditional dish but with half the effort. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a savory, one-skillet dinner packed with colorful vegetables, lean beef, and melty cheese. With a quick char on the peppers, a rich beef mixture, and a finishing touch of Monterey Jack cheese, this dish is a weeknight winner.

Recipe Tips

1. Char the Peppers for Extra Flavor
   Charring the bell peppers is key to unlocking their smoky sweetness. Don’t rush this step—let the peppers get a bit blackened on the edges. The slightly crispy texture and smoky flavor will elevate the entire dish and complement the richness of the beef and cheese.
2. Use Lean Ground Beef for a Healthier Option
   Opting for 90/10 lean ground beef helps keep the dish lighter without compromising on flavor. Since you don’t need to drain the beef after browning, the fat content is already minimal, but you still get a juicy, flavorful base that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
3. Add Balsamic Vinegar for Tangy Balance
   The balsamic vinegar provides a welcome touch of acidity, which helps cut through the richness of the beef and cheese. Don’t skip this step—just a few tablespoons transform the flavor profile, balancing the savory elements with a touch of brightness.

What to Serve with Unstuffed Peppers

1. A Simple Green Salad
   Pair your unstuffed peppers with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. A mix of arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes with a light vinaigrette offers a nice balance of textures and flavors. The freshness and acidity of the salad enhance the savory richness of the peppers.
2. Garlic Bread
   For a comforting addition, serve the unstuffed peppers alongside warm garlic bread. The soft, buttery bread with a crispy garlic topping is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce left in the skillet. It’s an easy yet indulgent side that complements the main dish beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or broccoli make a great side for unstuffed peppers. Their natural sweetness, roasted to perfection with a touch of olive oil and seasoning, pairs well with the savory and smoky notes of the peppers, adding another layer of flavor and texture to the meal.

FAQ

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
   Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner substitute for ground beef. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly to ensure the turkey has enough flavor, as it is more neutral than beef.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture and char the peppers in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the beef mixture, assemble the peppers, top with cheese, and melt the cheese under the lid.
3. What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
   If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, you can use cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both. Cheddar will add a sharper flavor, while mozzarella will give it a more melty, gooey texture.
4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   Yes! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or add beans like black beans or kidney beans for protein. You can also load it up with extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a more substantial filling.

Unstuffed Peppers

This simplified version of stuffed peppers delivers all the savory goodness in a single skillet, ready in just 30 minutes. Combining vibrant vegetables, lean beef, and creamy cheese, it’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course meat recipe, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 5 People

Ingredients

  

• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 pound 90/10 lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 medium multicolored bell peppers cored and cut into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt divided
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 8.5 to 8.8-ounce package microwavable white rice
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped, plus extra for garnish
• 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese shredded (about 1 cup)

Instructions

 

• Char the Peppers
• Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the bell peppers, sprinkling with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir occasionally, allowing the peppers to cook until tender-crisp with blackened spots, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, transfer the peppers to a large bowl and set aside.
• Brown the Beef and Onions
• Without cleaning the skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, black pepper, and the remaining salt. Stir frequently, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, and cook until the meat is fully browned and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Do not drain the beef.
• Combine the Ingredients
• Stir in the previously charred bell peppers, microwavable rice, tomato sauce, water, and balsamic vinegar into the beef mixture. Mix well, then reduce the heat to medium. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley to add freshness and color.
• Add the Cheese and Serve
• Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it stand for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. Garnish with additional parsley before serving.

Keyword Unstuffed Peppers