Stuffed Peppers Bowls have all the flavors of the original but in less time and easily customizable. A meal prep pro with components that work all week long!
Why This Recipe Works for Real Life
When I was managing endometriosis and focusing on blood sugar balance for hormone health, I got inspired to riff on Mr. Simon's favorite: stuffed peppers. Deconstructed. Same satisfying flavors, better for my health goals, and way less time and effort.
Complete Customization
Everyone builds their own bowl exactly how they want it. Need less rice? Easy. Want extra peppers? Cool! And my kids don't like food "mixed together" anyway. No more multiple meal versions.
Meal Prep Magic
I keep all the components of this recipe separate so that I can use the leftovers in different places the rest of the week. Cook once, eat multiple times! Peppers work in morning scrambles, seasoned beef becomes taco filling, rice for a stir-fry base.
Blood Sugar Benefits
The combination of protein-rich ground beef, fiber-loaded bell peppers, and moderate complex carbs supports stable blood sugar. Unlike traditional stuffed peppers where everything's mixed together, you can see your portions and adjust accordingly.
You can also swap the rice for other similar options to adjust the macros. My family loves the chickpea orzo which you see in the photos on this page. Qunioa, barley, cauliflower rice, and farro are all great options, too!
Top Tip
Cook components separately, serve them together. Everyone gets the same delicious food in their perfect portions. No more "diet meals" vs. "regular meals" at your table.
How to Make Stuffed Peppers Bowls
I put this recipe on the the weekly menu plan for busy days. It's fast, filling and the whole family enjoys it.
- Step 1: Prepare the rice and the beef. Rice takes the longest, so get that started. Then brown the beef with the onion and spices.
- Step 2: Cook the Peppers. Transfer seasoned beef to a serving bowl and use the drippings in the pan to saute the peppers. I like mine pretty firm, so only 3 - 4 minutes in the pan, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Build Your Own. Heat up the marinara and set out all the components for everyone to build their own bowls. Leftover components are great for other uses throughout the week.
Storage and Reheating
Store each component separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
To build another bowl, I just add all of the components I want into a microwave safe dish, cover and microwave for 90 seconds until nicely warmed.
Customization Ideas
Switch the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work perfectly with the same seasonings.
Grain Alternatives: Try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even pasta for different textures and carb levels.
Pepper Varieties: Mix in poblanos for mild heat, or use frozen pepper strips for convenience.
Print
Stuffed Peppers Bowls
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: entree
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
Stuffed Peppers Bowls have all the flavors of the original but in less time and easily customizable. A meal prep pro with components that work all week long!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp sweet or smoked paprika
- 2 cups cooked rice (or other grain like quinoa or pasta)
- 4 bell peppers, diced (mix of colors for variety)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, jack or cheddar - or a mix)
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Cook 2 cups of rice according to package directions in water or broth. Set aside.
- Cook the seasoned beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the diced onion, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until beef is fully cooked and onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer beef mixture to a serving bowl and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
- Prepare the peppers: Add the diced bell peppers to the same pan with the leftover drippings and lightly sauté for 3-4 minutes until just softened.
- Warm the marinara: Heat marinara sauce in a small saucepan or microwave until warmed through.
- Build your bowls: Let everyone create their own bowls by layering rice as the base, then adding seasoned beef, diced peppers, marinara sauce, and topping with shredded cheese.
Notes
Cook components separately and store in individual containers for up to 4 days
Repurpose leftovers: Use peppers in breakfast scrambles, beef mixture for tacos, rice for stir-fries, marinara for pasta night
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 12.6 g
- Sodium: 1419.2 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.9 g
- Fiber: 5.5 g
- Protein: 39.4 g
- Cholesterol: 118.8 mg
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