Unstuffed Peppers

Unstuffed Peppers is the perfect recipe when you want all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the extra work. This hearty, family-friendly dish combines Italian sausage, tender rice, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, and melty mozzarella into a satisfying one-pot meal. Ready in about an hour and packed with wholesome, simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or meal prep. If you love convenient comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this is a must-try recipe for your collection.

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
14 ounces crushed tomatoes
14 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices
1/2 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
1 2/3 cup water or as needed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
4 bell peppers, any color, diced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. In a large pan, brown the Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, rice, water, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced bell peppers and continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
4. Stir the mixture, top with shredded mozzarella, remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to melt and flavors to blend.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve Unstuffed Peppers hot and topped with extra cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, warm crusty bread, or roasted vegetables. For storage, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion the cooked mixture into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the texture. If freezing, add the cheese only after reheating for the best results.

Variations

1. Ground Beef Variation Replace Italian sausage with lean ground beef for a milder flavor that resembles classic stuffed peppers.
2. Turkey Unstuffed Peppers Swap sausage for ground turkey to make a lighter, leaner version without sacrificing flavor.
3. Chicken Sausage Twist Use chicken sausage for a slightly sweet and smoky profile that pairs well with bell peppers.
4. Tex-Mex Style Add cumin, chili powder, black beans, and corn for a southwestern twist. Top with cheddar instead of mozzarella.
5. Cheesy Alfredo Version Stir in a few tablespoons of Alfredo sauce and use provolone cheese for a creamy, indulgent variation.
6. Low-Carb Option Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce the water by half for a keto-friendly meal.
7. Quinoa Upgrade Substitute rice with quinoa for added protein and a nuttier texture.
8. Spicy Kick Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring heat to the dish.
9. Veggie-Loaded Version Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to increase the vegetable content and bulk up the meal.
10. Mediterranean Style Add olives, oregano, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
11. Brown Rice Variation Use brown rice instead of white rice and extend cooking time by 15 minutes.
12. Sausage and Bacon Combo Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky boost of flavor alongside the sausage.
13. Casserole-Style Bake Transfer cooked mixture to a baking dish, top generously with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
14. Creamy Tomato Version Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer, velvety sauce.
15. Herb-Forward Variation Increase Italian seasoning and add fresh basil or thyme for a more aromatic dish.

FAQs

1. Can I make Unstuffed Peppers ahead of time? Yes, this dish reheats well and can be made 1 to 2 days in advance.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but increase the cooking time to ensure the rice becomes tender.
3. Can this recipe be made dairy-free? Simply omit the mozzarella cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
4. Can I use frozen bell peppers? Yes, frozen diced peppers work well; add them during the simmering stage without thawing.
5. What can I use instead of sausage? Ground beef, turkey, or chicken all work perfectly in this recipe.
6. Can I cook this in a slow cooker? Yes, brown the meat first, then cook everything on low for 4 to 5 hours. Add the cheese right before serving.
7. Can I freeze Unstuffed Peppers? Absolutely. Freeze up to 2 months, but add cheese only after reheating.
8. Can I add more vegetables? Yes, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach are excellent additions.
9. Why is my rice still hard? Add a bit more water, cover, and cook until the rice softens fully.
10. Which peppers are best to use? Any color works, but red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter and add more flavor.

Unstuffed Peppers brings everything you love about the traditional dish into one convenient pot packed with robust flavor, colorful vegetables, and comforting textures. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry family without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving a warm, filling dinner or a simple recipe that delivers every time, this easy Unstuffed Peppers dish is sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation.

Print