Description
This Unstuffed Peppers Bowl recipe offers the delicious flavors of stuffed bell peppers in a simplified, hearty bowl form. Featuring lean ground beef, green peppers, tomatoes, and rice all cooked together in one pot, it's an easy and comforting meal topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Staples
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
- 1¼ teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 15 ounce canned diced tomatoes
- ½ cup water
Toppings
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped green peppers, chopped onion, minced garlic, 3 teaspoons oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened, about 7-10 minutes.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and sauté the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it is well combined and fragrant, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Add rice and liquids: Add the uncooked rice, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, remaining 1 teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt, and water to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook fully and absorb the flavors.
- Let it rest and fluff rice: After cooking, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered for an additional 5-10 minutes to finish steaming. Then remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Serve with toppings: Spoon the unstuffed pepper mixture into bowls. Garnish generously with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and freshness. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce fat content.
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice; cooking time might need to be adjusted accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
