Unstuffed Bell Peppers Parmigiana
Transform your weeknight dinners with this quick and delicious recipe for Unstuffed Bell Peppers Parmigiana! By deconstructing the classic stuffed bell pepper and turning it into a one-skillet wonder, this dish delivers all the comforting flavors you adore without the hassle. Vibrant bell peppers and tender onions are sautéed with savory ground beef or turkey (optional for a vegetarian twist), simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce seasoned with Italian herbs, and blended with hearty rice or quinoa for a filling base. Topped with ooey-gooey melted mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and fresh basil for an herby finish, this 30-minute meal is as wholesome as it is satisfying. Perfect for those craving a cozy, cheesy, family-friendly dinner, this low-effort, high-reward recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large bell peppers (any color, diced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.5 pound ground beef or ground turkey (optional, for a meaty version)
- 1.5 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
If using ground beef or turkey, add it to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.
Stir in the cooked rice or quinoa, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Serve directly from the skillet for a hearty, family-style meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2148 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 113.9 g | 146% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.0 g | 225% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 302 mg | 101% | |
| Sodium | 4077 mg | 177% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 176.5 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.9 g | 92% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.3 g | ||
| Protein | 105.5 g | 211% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1566 mg | 120% | |
| Iron | 15.2 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 3724 mg | 79% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
