Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers is a contemporary take on the classic comfort dish, offering a streamlined and flavorful experience. This version takes the essence of stuffed peppers – ground beef, bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce – and reimagines it as a layered dish. Instead of stuffing whole peppers, the green bell peppers are chopped and cooked with savory ground beef, then served over a flavorful homemade tomato sauce. The result is a dish that’s quicker to prepare but still delivers all the comforting flavors of the original version.
This dish features a delicious San Marzano tomato sauce, created by blending high-quality San Marzano tomatoes into a smooth mixture. Renowned for their low acidity and natural sweetness, these tomatoes are ideal for crafting a balanced and flavorful sauce. The sauce is cooked with sautéed garlic and onions for added depth, while a splash of red wine vinegar intensifies the acidity, resulting in a bright, tangy finish. Fresh basil is incorporated, enriching the sauce with herbal notes that enhance the tomatoes’ sweetness. A small amount of sugar may also be included to further balance the acidity, ensuring a smooth and rich flavor.
The hearty flavors in this dish come from the beef and bell pepper mixture. Ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, including paprika, which is divided between the sauce and the beef mixture to provide a consistent smoky warmth. Worcestershire sauce is added to the beef mixture, introducing a layer of umami richness. The chopped green bell peppers are cooked directly with the beef, softening and absorbing the meat’s flavors without losing their slight bite.
The thoughtful balance between the rich beef mixture and the smooth, flavorful tomato sauce makes this dish stand out. Layering the beef and peppers over the sauce fills each bite with different flavors and textures – from the tender meat to the soft, fragrant peppers and the rich, tangy sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the top, adding a nutty, salty contrast to the beef and sauce. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley provides freshness, cutting through the richness of the dish.
Compared to the traditional version, this deconstructed version of stuffed peppers saves time and effort, as there’s no need to stuff and bake whole peppers. Despite this, the dish feels complete and satisfying, with the elements working together seamlessly. Each bite is filled with savory, smoky, tangy, and herbaceous notes, making it a comforting and versatile meal for any night of the week.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers offers the heartiness of a classic dish with the ease and modernity of a more accessible recipe. It’s a great way to enjoy all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss.
Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers
4
servings15
minutes25
minutes40
minutesDeconstructed Stuffed Peppers brings all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a simpler dish. Ground beef and bell peppers are cooked together, served over a rich San Marzano tomato sauce, and topped with Parmesan and parsley. It’s a quick, flavorful twist on the traditional recipe.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
3 large green bell peppers, chopped
1 can (28 ounces) San Marzano tomatoes
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons paprika
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon basil, freshly chopped
1 tablespoon parsley, freshly chopped
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
for garnish, freshly chopped parsley
for garnish, grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce:
Pour the San Marzano tomatoes into a blender and blend until smooth.
Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add half the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the San Marzano tomatoes, red wine vinegar, the remaining paprika, and fresh basil in a medium saucepan. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors. - Cook the Beef Mixture:
Sauté the remaining onion and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until softened, 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef, salt, ground black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and remaining paprika. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the beef is browned. Stir in the chopped green bell peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. - Assemble and Serve:
Spoon the tomato sauce onto plates. Top with the beef and pepper mixture. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.