Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re like me and you’re always on the lookout for quick and healthy meals, then you’re in for a treat with these *unstuffed pepper bowls*! They’re such a fantastic spin on the classic stuffed peppers, but way easier to whip up. I mean, who wants to spend ages stuffing and arranging when you can simply toss everything together in a bowl and let the oven do the magic? It’s all the flavors you love—savory ground turkey, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey cheese—without the fuss. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious *unstuffed pepper bowls*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 bell peppers, diced (any color you like—red, yellow, or green add a lovely pop of color!)
- 1 pound ground turkey (feel free to swap it for ground beef or your favorite plant-based protein if you prefer)
- 1 cup cooked rice (brown rice or white rice works great here, so choose what you have on hand)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 ounces—this adds moisture and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (it gives a nice depth without the hassle of chopping)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or your favorite herbs to jazz it up!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, seasoning is everything!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using mozzarella or cheddar for that melty goodness)
How to Prepare Unstuffed Pepper Bowls
Now, let’s dive into how to bring these *unstuffed pepper bowls* to life! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a delicious, hearty meal in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the cheese melt perfectly and gives your dish that lovely bubbly finish. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to crumble it as it cooks so you get those lovely, tender pieces. You want it to be fully cooked through—no pink bits left!
Step 3: Add Bell Peppers
Next, toss in your diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook them alongside the turkey for another 3-5 minutes until they’re softened and vibrant. This is where your kitchen will start to smell amazing, and you’ll want to take a little taste to check for seasoning!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Stir in the cooked rice, canned diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix it all up until everything is well incorporated and heated through—about 2-3 minutes should do it.
Step 5: Transfer and Bake
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Get ready for some deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These *unstuffed pepper bowls* come together in just about 40 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, veggies, and whole grains, this dish is a nutritious choice you can feel good about.
- Versatility: Feel free to customize with your favorite proteins, grains, or spices—make it your own!
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win! Everything cooks in one skillet and bakes in one dish.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love digging into these flavorful bowls!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *unstuffed pepper bowls* turn out spectacular every time, here are a few little tips from my kitchen to yours! First, don’t rush the browning of the turkey—this step adds so much flavor! If you want a bit more crunch, try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving. Also, if you’re using leftover rice, be sure it’s at room temperature to prevent clumping. And hey, if you like a bit of spice, why not throw in some red pepper flakes? Lastly, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container; they reheat beautifully in the microwave for an easy lunch the next day!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these tasty *unstuffed pepper bowls* is estimated to contain about 350 calories, making it a satisfying yet healthy choice. You’ll also get approximately 15 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 35 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, with 3 grams of fiber, it’s a meal that keeps you feeling full. Remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! While I love ground turkey for its lean profile, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian option.
What can I serve with these bowls?
These *unstuffed pepper bowls* are hearty enough on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover juices!
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
What if I don’t have diced tomatoes?
No worries! You can use fresh tomatoes or even tomato sauce in a pinch. Just adjust the liquid accordingly!
Are these bowls freezer-friendly?
Definitely! These *unstuffed pepper bowls* freeze beautifully. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be good for up to three months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *unstuffed pepper bowls* is super easy! Just let them cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just pop them in for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Enjoy your delicious meal all over again!
Drucken
Unstuffed Pepper Bowls: 5-Minute Dinner Delight
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Kalorienarme
Beschreibung
A quick and healthy twist on traditional stuffed peppers, served in a bowl.
Zutaten
- 4 bell peppers, diced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned.
- Add diced peppers and cook until softened.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Great for meal prep.
- Can substitute ground turkey with beef or plant-based protein.
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Dinner
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 bowl
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 4g
- Natrium: 500mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 6g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 80mg
Keywords: unstuffed pepper bowls, easy dinner, healthy meal
