Are you looking for a quick, healthy meal prep idea that will make your weeknights a breeze? Well, look no further! I’m excited to share my delicious Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls with you. These bowls are not only packed with flavor but also loaded with fresh ingredients and gooey cheese. Perfect for busy families, this recipe is a fantastic alternative to traditional stuffed peppers and is sure to become a staple in your home. Plus, it’s one of those easy pasta recipes that you can whip up in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick family dinners that are ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy high protein meals that keep you satisfied.
- Versatile ingredients that you can customize to your taste.
- Perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy healthy lunches throughout the week.
- Kid-friendly and delicious, making it a hit with the whole family!
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice of choice + cooking liquid
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 teaspoon each fine sea salt & fresh ground black pepper
- 2 green bell peppers, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small zucchini, quartered and sliced
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, extra liquid drained
- 3 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful bowls:
- Prepare your preferred rice (1 1/2 cups) according to package directions in water or broth. I generally make jasmine rice with chicken broth in my Instant Pot for added flavor.
- Place a large deep non-stick skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. When hot, add the ground beef (1 pound), salt, and pepper (about 1 teaspoon each). Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Cook the meat for about 4-5 minutes or until just barely cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- While the meat continues to cook, add the diced green and red bell peppers (2 green, 1 red) and the finely diced onion (1/2 medium) to the same pan. Cook until beginning to soften, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the minced garlic (4 cloves) and sliced zucchini (1 small), and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Finally, add the tomato sauce (1-8 ounce can), diced tomatoes (1-14.5 ounce can), worcestershire sauce (3 tablespoons), along with salt & pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon each) to season. Reduce heat to low and cook for 3-4 minutes, letting it simmer and bubble, stirring occasionally. Add additional salt & pepper to taste.
- If serving immediately, add shredded cheese (3/4 cup) and cover for 90 seconds to melt. For meal prep, add about 1/2 cup or so cooked rice to each of four or five meal prep containers. Portion the unstuffed pepper mixture into each meal prep container and add a heavy sprinkle of cheese. Store for up to four days in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls turn out perfectly:
- Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based protein for a healthier option.
- Experiment with different types of cheese! Pepper jack adds a nice kick, while mozzarella keeps it classic.
- For added flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or paprika to the meat mixture.
- Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in your bowls.
- These bowls are also great for using up leftover vegetables you have in your fridge!
How to Serve
These Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls are incredibly versatile! You can serve them as is, or pair them with a side salad for a complete meal. They also make a fantastic filling for tacos or burritos if you’re in the mood for something different. If you’re looking for more weeknight dinner ideas, check out my White Chicken Enchiladas or Zero Point Chicken Salad for more delicious options!
Make Ahead and Storage
These bowls are perfect for meal prep! Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. This makes them an excellent choice for Healthy Lunch Meal Prep or Dinner Meal Prep for busy weeks ahead!
So there you have it! A delicious, healthy, and easy meal prep idea that your family will love. I hope you enjoy making these Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls as much as I do. Happy cooking!
Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- Cook 1.5 cups rice according to package instructions.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet with salt and pepper until just cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add diced peppers, onion, garlic, and zucchini; cook until vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes, then add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper; simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Divide cooked rice into meal prep containers, top with beef mixture, sprinkle with cheese, and melt for 90 seconds if serving immediately.