20 Minute Healthy Unstuffed Peppers using ground meat

Once you make this Unstuffed Pepper recipe, you will never go back to stuffed peppers! It is loaded with flavor, comes together in 20 minutes and is so much easier to eat.

We love making stuffed peppers in this house, but they can be a bit tedious. Between stuffing the peppers, then having to cut them apart to eat, they can be time consuming.

With this series ” Quick and Easy Ground Meat Recipes” I am giving you flavor packed meals without any fuss. This unstuffed peppers recipe is as simple as browning your meat, adding the vegetables and spices, some tomatoes and broth and serving over a bed of rice. It does not get any easier than this!

The meat is cooked with a tomato sauce, loaded with spices including chipotle puree, which adds the perfect amount of kick. It has a touch of sweetness, all while using wholesome, nourishing ingredients. I love this recipe with ground moose or venison but if you do not hunt you can use any ground meat you like! Unstuffed peppers make a perfect make ahead or meal prep recipe that the whole family will love.

Unstuffed Peppers Ingredients

Ground Meat– This recipe is delicious with almost any ground meat you have. Beef, venison, moose or even turkey.

Onion– I use white/yellow onion in this recipe for a mild flavor.

Bell Peppers– Red, yellow or orange peppers are best for this recipe. I like to use a combination of a few colors as I like the color variation.

Garlic– Be sure to use fresh minced garlic for optimal flavor.

Tomato Sauce– You can use homemade or store bought, just make sure if doesn’t already have any spiced in it.

Beef Broth– This can also be homemade or store bought. If you use a salted broth, taste the recipe before you add the recommended salt.

Chili Powder– A classic flavor in stuffed peppers. It adds flavor without being too spicy.

Smoked Paprika– I love to use smoked paprika in this recipe as it compliment the chipotle puree really well. If you don’t have any or prefer regular paprika, that works too.

Chipotle Puree– You can find this in the spice isle at most grocery stores. It adds an extra depth of flavor and smokiness with just a touch of heat. The star in this recipe if you ask me!

Maple Syrup– I finish off this recipe with just a touch of sweetness to balance out the spice.

Cheese– Fresh gated cheese is added on top when serving this unstuffed peppers recipe. You can use cheddar or mozzarella.

Green onions or Cilantro– I love the addition of some fresh green onion or chopped cilantro as a garnish to add color and freshness to the dish.

The Steps

1.Heat a large skillet with a couple tbsp of olive oil.

2. Add the diced onion to the pan and cook on medium heat for a couple minutes. Once tender, add in the minced garlic and allow to cook for 1 minute.

3. Next, add the ground meat to the pan and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes or until it is no longer pink.

4. Once the meat is cooked, stir in the diced peppers, followed by the chili powder, paprika, and chipotle puree.

5. Pour the tomato sauce, broth, and maple over top, and gently stir. Season with salt and pepper if necessary.

6. Simmer on low for 5 more minutes so that the peppers are tender. Serve over a warm bed of rice and top with shredded cheese and green onions or cilantro. Enjoy!

We have made this recipe multiple times in the last months because it is just that good!! If you give this a try, let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more recipes in my “Quick and Easy Ground Meat Recipes” series 🙂