Instant Pot Unstuffed Peppers [V+GF]

Stuffed peppers have always been a favourite of mine. They’re relatively low in calories, for a comforting, hearty meal that is sure to satisfy. These unstuffed peppers, or stuffed pepper casserole offers the same great flavours, with a little less prep work. No need to hollow out peppers and fill them up. Plus, being made in the Instant Pot makes this dish a hands off, super easy, quick weeknight meal option.

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily adapt this recipe to a stove top version. Just sauté your veggies in a large sauce pan. Then add all remaining ingredients, plus an extra cup of water or broth and simmer for 35-40 minutes, until liquids are mostly evaporated. It will take a few extra minutes of cooking, but the taste will be just as great!

Alternatively, if you have a rice cooker, you may cook your rice as usual in your cooker. Meanwhile sauté your veggies, and then add the tomato sauce and seasonings. Once the rice is cooked, just mix everything together. No matter what appliances you have, you can make this dish! And you should, it’s delicious!

So what constitutes a stuffed pepper? (Or unstuffed peppers)

• Peppers, duh
• A grain, typically rice, barley, or quinoa
• Protein, often ground meat, veggie grounds or nuts/seeds
• Seasoning

Pretty simple! This time I’ve gone with brown rice and walnuts. For seasoning, I’m using cumin and smoked paprika to give this dish some “meaty” flavours. In fact, hubby took a bite and asked “Is there meat in this?” So yes, I think this unstuffed peppers recipe is a winner for well balanced, yummy flavour!

Want more delicious, EASY recipes you can make in your hands off Instant Pot? Try these!

• Instant Pot Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles
• Vegan Sloppy Joes (Soup or Sandwich!)
• Easy Vegetable Lentil Soup to Feed the Lot
• Instant Pot Vegetable Soup with Quinoa

Instant Pot Unstuffed Peppers

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: gluten free, Instant Pot, vegan

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

Unstuffed peppers with all your favourite stuffed pepper flavours. Throw it all in your hands off Instant Pot for a quick, easy, delicious meal.

Pin Recipe Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tsp avocado oil or cooking oil of choice
• 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 bell peppers sliced (any colours)
• 6 cremini mushrooms sliced
• 3/4 cup walnut pieces
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 1 1/4 cup low sodium vegetable broth or water
• 1 cup homemade tomato sauce or tomato purée of choice
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

• Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the oil, onion, garlic, peppers, mushrooms, and walnuts. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until veggies are softened.
• Then add all remaining ingredients, close the lid, locking to the sealing position. Set your Instant Pot to manual pressure for 20 minutes. Once timer is complete, let it naturally release for 10 minutes, and then you may quick release the remaining pressure. When the pin drops, open the lid, serve and enjoy.
  

Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 693mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 69.4% | Vitamin C: 148.2% | Calcium: 6.8% | Iron: 15.1%

DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!

*Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools.