Ah, there’s something so comforting about the idea of stuffed peppers. They remind me of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, the kitchen filled with laughter, warmth, and the heavenly aroma of roasted peppers mingling with spices and ground meat. However, let’s be honest—stuffing each individual pepper can feel like a chore when you’re just trying to prepare a delightful family meal. Enter my Unstuffed Peppers Recipe, the much-loved classic we all adore, minus the fuss. This recipe brings you that flavorful comfort in a simple, one-pan dish that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Unstuffed Peppers Recipe
A Simple Solution for Busy Lives
As we all know, life can get hectic. Between juggling work, kids, and social commitments, preparing meals can often feel overwhelming. It can be disheartening to stand in the kitchen after a long day, staring at a pile of whole peppers wondering how you’ll make a masterpiece for dinner. You’re not alone in that struggle! Many of us crave nutritious meals but often lack the time or energy for intricate preparations.
Comfort in Every Bite
This Unstuffed Peppers Recipe is here to save the day! Picture this: tender bell peppers sautéed to sweet perfection, combined with the savory notes of garlic, seasoned ground turkey, and layers of melted cheese, all smothered in a rich marinara sauce. With every forkful, you’re enveloped in a flavor explosion that’s reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen but without all the fuss. This dish not only satisfies cravings but also provides a cozy feeling of homecooked goodness.
For some extra temptations, here are two links you may enjoy: Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice and Easy Creamy Tomato Soup.
Quick Answer: The easiest way to make Unstuffed Peppers Recipe creamy and rich is by adding a splash of cream or using shredded cheese on top.
Ingredients Breakdown & Prep Tips
Before we get to the heart of it, let’s look at the star ingredients for this delightful dish:
| Ingredient | Notes | |————————————————|———————————————-| | 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided) | Use extra virgin for a richer flavor | | 1-1/2 cups finely diced yellow onion (1 large onion) | Sweet onions work best | | 2 cups chopped bell peppers (2 large peppers; I use 1 red and 1 orange) | Feel free to mix colors for a beautiful dish | | 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves) | Fresh garlic packs a punch of flavor | | 1 tablespoon tomato paste | For depth and richness | | 1 tablespoon chili powder | Spice it up to taste | | 1 teaspoon ground cumin | Adds warmth and earthiness | | 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning | Classic flavor booster | | 1/2 teaspoon onion powder | Optional, for extra onion flavor | | 1/2 teaspoon roasted garlic powder | Adds a lovely aroma | | 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) | For a kick of heat | | Salt and pepper | Season to your palate | | 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7, see note 1)| A leaner yet tasty choice | | 1 large beef bouillon cube | For an extra burst of umami flavor | | 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes | Brings a smoky richness | | 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce | Adds depth and tang | | 1/2 cup marinara sauce (I love Rao’s) | Choose your favorite for the best result | | 1-1/4 cup freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese | Creamy and sharp for that perfect topping | | 3 to 4 tablespoons freshly chopped Italian parsley (for garnish) | A pop of color and fresh flavor | | Cooked rice (or cauliflower rice, for serving, see note 2) | Because who doesn’t love a hearty base? |
Prep Method with Sensory Cues
Our journey begins as you preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe 12-inch pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your finely diced onions and chopped colorful bell peppers. Sauté them for about 6–8 minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
As you stir in the minced garlic, relish the fragrant garlic notes wafting through the air. Within seconds, add in the tomato paste and spice it up with chili powder, cumin, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and the optional red pepper flakes. A sprinkle of salt and pepper, about 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, brings out the flavors, tantalizing your taste buds.
Move the veggies to the sides of the pan, drizzling the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the center. Add the lean ground turkey, allowing it to brown without stirring for a couple of minutes, then break it up. Sauté and crumble until it’s nicely browned and perfectly integrated with the veggies.
Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and crumbled beef bouillon cube, cooking until the liquid reduces. Then, add the marinara sauce, stirring to heat through. Finally, sprinkle a generous layer of sharp Cheddar cheese on top and transfer the pan to the oven.
An 8-minute wait is all it takes for the cheese to melt, transforming this dish into a bubbly, golden masterpiece. Top it with fresh parsley for a lovely touch. Serve over warm rice or cauliflower rice, allowing the flavors to dance on your palate.
For a warm side, why not try Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet?
Nutrition Highlights
NutrientPer Serving Protein7g Carbs12g Fat6g Avoid These Mistakes
Common Mistakes & Fixes
- Soggy Peppers: Avoid overcooking the peppers when sautéing! They should be tender yet still have a bit of crunch left, providing texture in your dish.
- Too Much Liquid: Ensure you cook off excess liquid from tomatoes before adding marinara sauce to keep the final bake firm and yummy.
- Bland Seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning! The spices are what give this Unstuffed Peppers Recipe its signature flavor, so taste and adjust as you go.
Pro Tips to Get It Right
- Experiment with Variations: Feel free to add other veggies, like corn or zucchini, for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Lovers’ Choice: For an extra cheesy delight, try mixing in some Parmesan or a tangy goat cheese alongside the Cheddar.
- Make-ahead Magic: This dish can be prepped the night before. Simply cover and refrigerate before the final baking step for an effortless evening meal.
For some inspiration, visit Crispy Chicken Parmesan and discover how to bring your dinner to the next level!
Serving, Storage & Creative Variations
Best Ways to Serve It
This Unstuffed Peppers Recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, serving as a filling main dish that warms hearts and bellies alike. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a wholesome meal. It’s equally great for a family gathering or a laid-back weeknight dinner—saving precious time while keeping the love intact!
Storage + Seasonal or Dietary Variations
You can store leftover Unstuffed Peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It also freezes beautifully! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, it’s easy to bring back the flavors by adding a splash of water or extra marinara sauce.
Substitutions? Swap ground turkey for ground beef or chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist! Consider using seasonal peppers or incorporating fresh herbs for a touch of springtime freshness.
Check out Garlicky Feta Chicken Salad for a lighter, refreshing side dish, perfect for those sunny days!
FAQ SECTION
Can I make these Unstuffed Peppers in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day ahead and store it until you’re ready to bake.
What can I serve with this recipe?
Consider pairing it with crusty bread, a refreshing salad, or even tortillas for wrapping!
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes! Just replace the ground turkey with black beans or lentils and keep all the delightful seasonings.
What if I don’t have fire-roasted diced tomatoes?
Regular diced tomatoes work just fine; feel free to toss in a bit of smoked paprika to mimic the flavor.
Conclusion
This Unstuffed Peppers Recipe embraces everything we love about comfort food—nourishing, hearty, and oh-so-delicious. While it brings back memories of family gatherings, it also creates new ones around your dinner table. If this dish brings back a memory, pass it on. Someone you love might need it today. Discover more cozy recipes at Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
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Unstuffed Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe 12-inch pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely diced onions and chopped bell peppers, sautéing for about 6-8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, Italian seasoning, onion powder, roasted garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Move the veggies to the sides of the pan, drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the center.
- Add the lean ground turkey and allow it to brown without stirring for a couple of minutes, then break it up and sauté until nicely browned.
- Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and crumbled beef bouillon cube, cooking until the liquid reduces.
- Add the marinara sauce and stir until heated through.
- Sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top and transfer the pan to the oven.
- Bake for 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.