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These deconstructed stuffed peppers are so hearty and savory! This quick and easy one-skillet recipe takes just 25 minutes to make. Great for meal prep, leftovers, busy weeknights, and healthy family dinners!
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Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food, but they can be a bit of a hassle. Scooping out the peppers, prepping the filling, and carefully balancing everything inside just right can take some time and patience. That is where deconstructed stuffed peppers come in! This ingenious twist on the traditional dish takes all the delicious flavors of stuffed peppers and transforms them into a quick, easy, and weeknight-friendly meal. No more carving, stuffing, or worrying about peppers tipping over in the oven – just a hearty skillet brimming with tender peppers, savory filling, and fluffy rice. It is all the satisfying goodness you crave, without the fuss.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Faster than fast: Skip the pre-baking and filling. This one-pan meal throws everything together in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor explosion: Forget dry fillings. The deconstructed method allows all the ingredients to mingle and meld, creating a mix of sweet peppers, savory meat, and tangy sauce.
- Texture tango: Tender rice, crisp peppers, and juicy meat creates the best textures.
- Customizable: Add other veggies or switch up the meat.
- Clean-up breeze: Ditch the multiple dishes! One pan makes clean-up a breeze, leaving you more time to savor the flavors.
- Allergy friendly: These deconstructed stuffed peppers are great for many diets and lifestyles! This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and sugar-free.
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutes for deconstructed stuffed peppers. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe. First, use olive oil to coat the pan. This helps cook the peppers and onions. Use avocado oil if needed. Finely chop the peppers and onions. This helps them cook more quickly and evenly. For the ground meat, use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or pork. Use sugar-free tomato sauce. Season this dish with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Lastly, use brown rice or cauliflower rice.
Taste & Texture
These deconstructed stuffed peppers taste a little bit like pizza! The main flavors are ground meat, tomatoes, and peppers. The texture consists of crumbly browned meat, tender veggies, and rice.
How to Make
Step 1 First, add the oil, chopped peppers, and onions to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2 Once the veggies are tender, add the ground meat to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbly.
Step 3 Then, add the remaining ingredients to the skillet. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4 Lastly, remove the pan from the heat. Ladle into bowls and serve these deconstructed stuffed peppers!
Expert Tips for Success
- Chop those peppers to perfection: Smaller pieces cook faster and ensure an even distribution of flavor.
- Brown the meat: Don’t crowd the pan when browning the meat. This ensures even browning and prevents stewing.
- Let the rice shine: Don’t overcook the rice! You want it tender but with a slight bite. Add it later in the cooking process to prevent mushiness.
- Flavor it: Do not be shy with the spices! Smoked paprika, cumin, or even a touch of cayenne pepper can take your deconstructed stuffing to new heights.
- Freshen it up: Chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro add a vibrant burst of freshness to every bite.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the ground meat for lentils, crumbled tofu, or even black beans for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
- Spicy Fiesta: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Mediterranean Medley: Swap the beef for ground lamb, add artichoke hearts, and top with crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
- Thai Twist: Use ground turkey, stir in some coconut milk, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for a touch of Thai inspiration.
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