Description

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

In a large pan, brown the Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
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.
Stir in the diced bell peppers and continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
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.

Notes

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.