“Unstuffed Peppers” Is the Easy Weeknight Dinner I Make on Repeat (2024)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

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• 2 medium (about 7 ounces each) multicolored bell peppers, cored and cut into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)

• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

• 1 pound 90/10 lean ground beef

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 large garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 (8.5 to 8.8-ounce) package microwavable white rice

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1/2 cup water

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

• 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)

1. Char the peppers:

   Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add the bell peppers and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and blackened in spots, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

   

2. Brown the beef and onions:

   Without wiping the skillet clean, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium-high. Add the beef, onion, garlic, black pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt.

   Cook, stirring often and breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Do not drain.

3. Add the remaining ingredients:

   Stir the reserved bell peppers, rice, tomato sauce, water, and vinegar into the beef mixture until combined. Reduce the heat to medium and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley.

   

4. Add cheese and serve:

   Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately sprinkle with cheese and cover the skillet with a lid. Let stand until the cheese has melted, about 4 minutes. Garnish with additional parsley and serve.

   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.