Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls

The aroma fills the kitchen, a blend of savory beef and vibrant peppers simmering together into a comforting dish. Meal prep unstuffed pepper bowls make dinnertime a breeze, taking just 30 minutes to prepare and combining wholesome ingredients into a delicious, satisfying meal. This recipe works beautifully because of its balance of flavors and textures, making it perfect for busy weeks.

This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a nourishing meal prep option, especially families or individuals with little time for cooking during the week. You can enjoy these unstuffed pepper bowls straight away, or make them ahead; they will last in the refrigerator for up to four days, ensuring you have delicious, ready-to-eat meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s packed with colorful vegetables that provide great texture and nutrition.
• The one-pan cooking method makes cleanup a cinch.
• You can customize the flavors with various spices and toppings.
• Perfect for meal prep, it’s easy to portion and store.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create the meal prep unstuffed pepper bowls:

For the Rice

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice of choice + cooking liquid

For the Filling

• 1 pound 85% lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon 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

Tip: Use vegetable broth for added flavor in the rice.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground turkey can replace ground beef.
• Tomato sauce can be swapped with crushed tomatoes.
• Zucchini can be omitted or replaced with another vegetable.
• Cheese can be adjusted based on preference (dairy-free options available).

How to Make It

Create these delicious bowls in just a few simple steps.

Prepare the Rice

Cook your preferred rice (1 1/2 cups) according to package directions in water or broth, such as chicken broth for added flavor.

Brown the Meat

Place a large deep non-stick skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. When hot, add ground beef (1 pound), salt, and pepper (about 1 teaspoon each). Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks for about 4-5 minutes until just barely cooked through, stirring occasionally.

Add Vegetables

While the meat cooks, 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 just beginning to soften, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Incorporate the Aromatics

Add the minced garlic (4 cloves) and the sliced zucchini (1 small) to the pan, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant and tender.

Mix in the Sauces

Finally, add the tomato sauce (1 can), diced tomatoes (1 can), worcestershire sauce (3 tablespoons), and an additional sprinkle of salt and pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon each) for seasoning. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Serve or Store

If serving immediately, sprinkle the shredded cheese (3/4 cup) over the mixture and cover for 90 seconds to melt. For meal prep, divide about 1/2 cup of cooked rice into four or five meal prep containers. Portion the unstuffed pepper mixture into each container and add a generous sprinkle of cheese. Store for up to four days in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to four days.
Freezer: Yes, it freezes well for up to three months.
Reheat: Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcook the meat; it should be just barely done for the best texture.
• Chop vegetables finely for even cooking and better flavor distribution.
• Use fresh ingredients for vibrant taste in your meal prep.
• Test different cheese options for varied flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with crusty bread for a comforting dinner.
• Enjoy as a fun centerpiece for a busy family meal.