If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss of prepping and hollowing out each pepper, this Unstuffed Pepper Bowl Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together savory ground beef, tender green bell peppers, hearty rice, and vibrant tomato flavors in one easy, satisfying bowl that feels just like a warm hug on a plate. The blend of oregano and garlic gives it that classic stuffed pepper flavor, while the melted cheddar cheese on top adds a rich, irresistible finish. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or want a delicious meal prep option, this dish hits all the right notes with simplicity and taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white pan on a white marbled surface, there is a layered mix of ingredients. The bottom layer is green bell pepper pieces, scattered evenly around the pan. Mixed with the green peppers is browned ground meat with a crumbly texture. Over this, there is a layer of raw white rice, sprinkled in patches on top of the peppers and meat. The topmost layer consists of chunky red diced tomatoes in a red sauce, centered in the pan. The colors show bright green, brown, white, and red, with some juice pooling around the tomatoes and meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Unstuffed Pepper Bowl Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the fresh crunch of green peppers to the hearty bite of rice and the aromatic herbs, these staples come together beautifully without any complicated steps.

1 pound lean ground beef: Provides savory richness and protein to make the dish filling.
2 green bell peppers (chopped): Offer a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color.
1 small onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps cook the beef and veggies evenly and adds subtle fruitiness.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
4 teaspoons oregano (divided): Brings Mediterranean herbaceous notes that complement the beef and tomatoes.
1 ¼ teaspoon salt (divided): Enhances all the natural flavors.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and earthiness.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the mixture.
½ cup long grain white rice (uncooked): Absorbs all the flavors and gives the dish a comforting texture.
15 ounce canned diced tomatoes: Brings juiciness and bright acidity.
½ cup water: Helps simmer the rice to tender perfection.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
¼ cup chopped parsley: Adds fresh, herbal brightness as a finishing touch.

How to Make Unstuffed Pepper Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Vegetables

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with chopped green peppers, onions, minced garlic, 3 teaspoons of oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Stir as you cook until the beef is nicely browned and the vegetables have softened, about 7 to 10 minutes. This stage builds the base flavor, where the meat gets a lovely caramelized taste and the peppers and onions release their sweetness.

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Combine Rice

Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook until everything is well blended and fragrant, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This intensifies the tomato flavor, making it rich and slightly sweet. Then, add the uncooked rice, canned diced tomatoes, the remaining oregano and salt, plus the water. Mix well so that the rice is distributed evenly among the beef and veggies.

Step 3: Simmer the Mixture

Bring this savory mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes. During this time, the rice will cook by absorbing all the delicious juices, transforming into a tender, fluffy component that ties the dish together.

Step 4: Rest and Fluff the Rice

Once the simmering time is up, turn off the heat but keep the pot covered for another 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period helps the rice finish absorbing any remaining liquid and softens it perfectly. After that, fluff the mixture with a fork to separate the grains for a light, airy texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the hearty mixture into bowls, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top while the dish is still warm so it melts beautifully. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor.

How to Serve Unstuffed Pepper Bowl Recipe

A white pan filled with a cooked mix of ground meat, white rice, chopped green bell peppers, and diced red tomatoes, all blended together with a soft, slightly saucy texture. The green bell peppers and red tomatoes add bright pops of color among the brown meat and white rice, creating a rich, hearty dish. The pan has a wooden handle and sits on a white marbled surface with a blue-striped cloth nearby. To the side, there is a white round plate with chopped fresh green herbs and a wooden pepper grinder. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley are the classic garnishes that bring creamy richness and fresh brightness to this dish. For extra flair, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh basil leaves also make a delightful alternative to parsley, layering in a sweet herbal note.

Side Dishes

This Unstuffed Pepper Bowl Recipe is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the hearty flavors. You could also serve it alongside warm crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the unstuffed pepper mixture over a bed of cauliflower rice or quinoa for different textures and a boost of nutrition. Alternatively, scoop it into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, hand-held option that still delivers all the satisfying flavors. You could even turn it into a layered casserole topped with extra cheese and baked until golden and bubbly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers just as tasty, if not better, the next day.

Freezing

This Unstuffed Pepper Bowl Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture locked in. If the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up as it reheats.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that still work well with the flavors in this Unstuffed Pepper Bowl Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure the meat is fully cooked.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap out ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to keep it hearty and satisfying while making it vegetarian-friendly. Consider adding extra spices to boost the flavor even more.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind brown rice will take longer to cook, usually about 50 minutes. You may need to add a bit more water and extend the simmering time to ensure the rice is fully tender.

What if I don’t have tomato paste on hand?

If you’re out of tomato paste, you can substitute with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, but use a bit more and cook it down slightly to thicken the sauce and concentrate the flavor.

How spicy is this Unstuffed Pepper Bowl Recipe?

This recipe isn’t spicy by default, relying more on aromatic herbs like oregano and mild black pepper. However, you can always add chili flakes or hot sauce to suit your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got this wonderfully easy and flavor-packed Unstuffed Pepper Bowl Recipe in your repertoire, I can’t wait for you to try it out! It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion but comes together with everyday ingredients and simple steps. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or meal prep magic, this bowl will make your table feel cozy and your belly very happy.