Unstuffed Peppers Recipe

During my travels through Hungary, I fell in love with their rich, comforting dishes — especially töltött paprika (Unstuffed Peppers Recipe).

This unstuffed version is inspired by that classic Hungarian meal, offering all the warmth and flavor without the extra steps.

Originating from Central and Eastern Europe, stuffed peppers have long been a family favorite, symbolizing home-cooked love and cozy evenings.

This easy skillet version captures that same soulful taste hearty, flavorful, and beautifully simple to make any night of the week.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful meal.

• 1 pound lean ground beef: Using lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) prevents the dish from becoming too greasy.
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped: Green peppers provide the classic, slightly bitter taste, but any color works.
• 1 small onion, chopped: This adds a foundational layer of savory, aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just enough to get the cooking process started and prevent sticking.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor punch.
• 4 teaspoons oregano, divided: Using it in two stages helps build a deeper herby flavor throughout the dish.
• 1 ¼ teaspoon salt, divided: Seasoning as you go ensures every component is well-flavored.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: For a bit of mild spice and warmth.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: This thickens the sauce and provides a concentrated, rich tomato flavor.
• ½ cup long grain white rice, uncooked: Don’t pre-cook the rice; it will absorb all the flavors as it simmers.
• 15-ounce can diced tomatoes: Adds moisture and chunks of tomato for texture.
• ½ cup water: Helps cook the rice and create the right consistency for the sauce.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Grating your own cheese from a block will give you the best melt.
• ¼ cup chopped parsley: For a fresh, bright garnish that cuts through the richness.

Note: This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Variations

Want to customize this recipe? Here are a few simple swaps and additions to try.

• Protein Swap: You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a different flavor profile.
• Go Vegetarian: To make this a meat-free meal, leave out the ground beef and add a can of black beans or chickpeas for protein. You can also bulk it up with more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Grain Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of white rice, try using brown rice, quinoa, or even small pasta like orzo. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly.
• Spice It Up: For a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you cook the ground beef or stir in a chopped jalapeño with the bell peppers.

Cooking Time

This one-pot meal is designed to be efficient and straightforward.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Equipment You Need

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to bring this dish together.

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is for cooking everything together in one vessel, making cleanup a breeze.
• Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll need these for chopping the peppers, onion, and garlic.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurately measuring your seasonings, rice, and liquids.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for browning the beef and stirring all the ingredients together.

How to Make Unstuffed Peppers Recipe?

This recipe simplifies the classic dish by combining all the components into one easy-to-cook meal. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish where the rice soaks up all the delicious sauce. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it kind of recipe for a weeknight.

Sauté the Beef and Vegetables

First, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped green peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in 3 teaspoons of the oregano, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and all of the black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are slightly softened. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.

Build the Tomato Base

Once the beef is cooked, add the tomato paste to the pot. Stir it into the beef and vegetable mixture and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step is important because it toasts the tomato paste, deepening its flavor and adding a rich, savory quality to the entire dish. Make sure everything is well coated.

Simmer Everything Together

Next, add the uncooked rice, canned diced tomatoes, water, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of oregano and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and absorb all the liquid and flavors.

Rest and Serve

After 45 minutes, remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered. Let it stand for an additional 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to steam and become perfectly tender. Finally, remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice. Serve the unstuffed peppers in bowls, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.

🇭🇺 Hungary: The Home of Hearty Comfort Flavors

While exploring Hungary, especially the southern regions like Szeged and Békéscsaba, I discovered that dishes like töltött paprika (stuffed peppers) hold a special place in Hungarian cuisine. 

These areas are known for their fertile plains and rich agricultural traditions, where peppers and tomatoes grow abundantly. This unstuffed version pays tribute to that heritage, capturing the comforting, rustic essence of Hungarian home cooking that warms both heart and soul, no matter where you are. 

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this a few times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even more delicious.

• I recommend using a mix of bell pepper colors, like red, yellow, and orange, in addition to the green. It adds a subtle sweetness and makes the final dish look more vibrant.
• Don’t be afraid to add extra vegetables. I’ve found that adding finely chopped mushrooms or zucchini along with the onions and peppers gives the dish more texture and nutritional value.
• If you have a little extra time, I suggest browning the ground beef first, draining the excess fat, and then adding the vegetables to sauté. This keeps the final dish from feeling heavy or greasy.
• For a creamier texture, I like to stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream right at the end before serving. It makes the sauce wonderfully rich.

How to Serve Unstuffed Peppers Recipe?

Serve this Hungarian-inspired Unstuffed Peppers dish piping hot, with melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. It’s best enjoyed alongside a slice of crusty bread or a light cucumber salad, just like it’s served in countryside homes across Hungary. This comforting meal perfectly reflects Central Europe’s love for simple, hearty flavors that bring families together at the table. 

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for this recipe.

• Calories: 333kcal
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fat: 11g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and stores beautifully.

To store, let the unstuffed peppers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for lunches throughout the week.

You can also freeze this dish. Once cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, you can warm it up in the microwave in 60-second intervals until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to enjoy this easy and delicious meal.

• Quick and Easy: It delivers all the flavor of traditional stuffed peppers but comes together in one pot in about an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a rich tomato sauce creates a deeply savory and comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy.
• Completely Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences by swapping the protein, adding more vegetables, or using a different grain.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It stores, freezes, and reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for packed lunches or future dinners.