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+ servings

Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Lunch, Meal Prep
Cuisine American
Keyword Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls
Servings 4
A 30-minute meal prep bowl loaded with ground beef, peppers, zucchini, and rice. Easy, flavorful, and freezer-friendly!

Ingredients

  • cups uncooked rice of choice plus cooking liquid
  • 1 lb 85% lean ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 green bell peppers finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper finely diced
  • ½ medium onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small zucchini quartered and sliced
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce (about ¾ cup)
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Additional salt & pepper to taste
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

  • Prepare 1½ cups of uncooked rice according to package instructions.
  • (Optional: Cook in chicken broth or use a rice cooker or Instant Pot for extra flavor.)

Step 2: Brown the Meat

  • Heat a deep non-stick skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add ground beef, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper.
  • Break into crumbles and cook for 4–5 minutes, until just cooked through.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

  • Stir in diced green and red bell peppers and onion.
  • Cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Add garlic and zucchini. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Make It Saucy

  • Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Season with an additional ¼ tsp each salt and pepper.
  • Lower heat and let simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

    For meal prep:

    • Spoon ½ cup cooked rice into each of 4–5 meal prep containers.
    • Top with the unstuffed pepper mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
    • Cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

    (Optional: If serving immediately, add cheese directly to the skillet, cover for 90 seconds until melted.)