Name: Unstuffed Peppers Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 green bell peppers, chopped; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 teaspoons oregano, divided; 1 ¼ 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; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 58 reviews

If you’ve ever loved the cozy satisfying taste of stuffed peppers but wished for a quicker, fuss-free version, then the Unstuffed Peppers Bowl Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This vibrant dish captures all the comforting layers of flavor you adore in traditional stuffed peppers—ground beef, tender bell peppers, fragrant herbs, and tangy tomatoes—all melded together in one generous bowl. It’s an easy, all-in-one meal that balances hearty protein, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies, making it perfect for a wholesome family dinner or meal prep that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are two whole green bell peppers on the left side, one large and one smaller. In the center top, a white bowl holds shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, and to its right, a white bowl contains raw ground beef, pinkish and textured. Below the cheese bowl, there is a white bowl filled with diced tomatoes in red sauce, and next to it, two peeled garlic cloves rest directly on the surface. To the right of the tomatoes, a white bowl with uncooked white rice is placed, and beside it, a whole yellow onion. On the far right, two small white bowls contain dried herbs and spices; one has a greenish dried herb mix with black pepper, and the other holds a small amount of red tomato paste. All ingredients have distinct and clear colors and textures, set on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with the Unstuffed Peppers Bowl Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own color, texture, and flavor harmony to the dish. Whether it’s the sweetness of green bell peppers or the savory depth from lean ground beef, these components come together to create a balanced and satisfying meal that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Lean ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base and hearty protein that’s essential for satisfaction.
Green bell peppers, chopped: Add bright color and a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
Small onion, chopped: Offers subtle sweetness and depth, forming the perfect aromatic foundation.
Olive oil: The cooking fat that helps develop flavor and keeps the ingredients moist.
Garlic cloves, minced: Bring a fragrant punch and a bit of warmth to the savory blend.
Oregano (4 teaspoons, divided): This herb brightens the dish with its earthy, slightly bitter notes.
Salt (1 ¼ teaspoons, divided): Vital for enhancing every flavor in the recipe.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrated tomato flavor that enriches the sauce’s thickness and tang.
Long grain white rice (½ cup, uncooked): Absorbs juices, giving the bowl a comforting, tender texture.
Canned diced tomatoes (15 ounces): Bring acidity and moisture, keeping the dish juicy and bright.
Water (½ cup): Helps cook the rice evenly and meld all flavors together.
Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): For a melty, creamy finish that adds richness.
Chopped parsley (¼ cup): Freshens and garnishes with a lovely herbaceous note and pop of green.

How to Make Unstuffed Peppers Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the beef and vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the lean ground beef, chopped green peppers, onions, and minced garlic, then sprinkle in 3 teaspoons of oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the black pepper. Let it cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is nicely browned and the veggies soften, filling your kitchen with those incredible savory aromas.

Step 2: Build the sauce

Next, stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook with the beef mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s well incorporated and fragrant. This step deepens the sauce’s flavor with a rich tomato essence that is the heart of the Unstuffed Peppers Bowl Recipe.

Step 3: Add rice, tomatoes, and seasoning

Now, mix in the uncooked rice, canned diced tomatoes, the remaining oregano, the rest of the salt, and water. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine. This is the moment when all those vibrant ingredients meld into a harmonious medley that will soon become your comforting bowl of goodness.

Step 4: Simmer and cook the rice

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly. Let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes, giving the rice enough time to absorb all those fantastic flavors and tenderize to perfection.

Step 5: Rest and fluff

Once the simmering is complete, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered for another 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish cooking gently and absorb any lingering juices. Finish by fluffing the rice with a fork, separating the grains to achieve that light and fluffy texture.

How to Serve Unstuffed Peppers Bowl Recipe

The image shows a white pan filled with a cooked mix of rice, ground meat, green bell peppers, and diced tomatoes, all mixed together in a reddish sauce. The rice is soft and mixed evenly with the small chunks of ground meat and medium-sized pieces of green bell pepper, scattered throughout. In the background, there is a small white plate with chopped green herbs on the left and a wooden pepper grinder on the right. A striped gray and white cloth is placed near the handle of the pan on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the warm mixture, allowing it to melt enticingly into every bite. Finally, add a handful of fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bowl is a hearty meal on its own, but if you want to add a little extra, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread makes a lovely accompaniment. The freshness of a salad contrasts the warm, savory bowl perfectly, while bread lets you scoop up any delicious sauce left behind.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving the dish in individual bowls is inviting and cozy, ideal for family dinners. For a fun twist, try layering the mixture in a mason jar or even stuffing it into hollowed-out bell pepper halves for a playful nod to traditional stuffed peppers. No matter the presentation, this dish always looks as fantastic as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Unstuffed Peppers Bowl Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prepping. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so your next-day lunch will be just as delicious—if not better!

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave out the cheese and parsley garnish, adding those fresh after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight or heat directly from frozen in a covered pan on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, the microwave works great for quicker reheating—just add a splash of water if it feels dry to keep the rice moist.

FAQs

Can I make the Unstuffed Peppers Bowl Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep the hearty texture and flavor while making it vegetarian-friendly.

Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook and needs more liquid. You may want to pre-cook the brown rice or adjust the simmering time and water amounts accordingly.

How spicy is the Unstuffed Peppers Bowl Recipe?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly as written, but you can spice it up by adding cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to suit your heat preferences.

Can I prepare this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker, adding the rice, tomato paste, tomatoes, herbs, water, and seasoning, and cook on low for about 3-4 hours until the rice is tender.

What can I use instead of shredded cheddar cheese as a garnish?

Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a tangy twist. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil also make wonderful alternatives for garnish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about the Unstuffed Peppers Bowl Recipe—full of familiar flavors, yet so simple and quick to pull together. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a make-ahead meal that feels homey and satisfying, this dish delivers every time. Give it a try and watch how this humble bowl becomes a treasured staple on your dinner table!