Easy Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls — Budget-Friendly, Healthy & Ready in 30 Minutes!

🧑‍🍳 Introduction

It’s 7:30 p.m., your roommate just ordered DoorDash (again), and your wallet is whispering “please don’t.”
Sound familiar? 😅
Between classes, deadlines, and trying to survive on a student budget, finding time to cook healthy meals can feel impossible.

Enter: Easy Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls — your new weeknight hero.
All the flavor of classic stuffed peppers, minus the complicated prep. One pan, cheap ingredients, and meals that actually last all week. Whether you’re cooking in a dorm kitchenette or your first apartment kitchen, this recipe saves time, money, and dishes.

Let’s get into it 👇

❤️ Why You’ll Love These Easy Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls

If you’ve ever tried to “eat healthy” in college, you know the struggle is real. But these Easy Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls check every box:

• ✅ Budget-friendly — All ingredients cost under $10 for 4 servings.
• ✅ Meal prep approved — Lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
• ✅ High protein — Keeps you full during long study sessions.
• ✅ One-pan recipe — Because who wants to do dishes?
• ✅ Customizable — Easily switch to veggie, spicy, or cheesy versions.

Think of it as comfort food meets campus life convenience.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

🥩 For the Ground Beef Version:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for leaner option)
• 3 bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, green for color)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or leftover)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: shredded cheese on top

Budget tip 💸: Buy frozen chopped peppers if fresh ones are too pricey — they taste just as good in this dish!

🥦 For the Vegetarian Version:

• 1 cup cooked lentils or crumbled tofu
• 3 bell peppers, diced
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: nutritional yeast or vegan cheese

💚 Pro tip: Lentils are cheaper than meat and packed with protein — perfect for busy vegetarians or anyone looking to cut down on meat costs.

🔥 How to Make the Classic Ground Beef Version

Step 1: Cook the base

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the beef

Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Toss in the veggies

Add diced bell peppers and cook for another 4 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Add tomatoes & rice

Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, rice, and all seasonings. Stir well, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Serve & store

Spoon into meal prep containers, sprinkle cheese on top if desired, and let cool before sealing.

🌿 Vegetarian Version (Meatless & Delicious)

This one’s for the plant-based students (or anyone who just forgot to thaw the beef 🙃).

Step 1: Sauté the base

In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until soft.

Step 2: Add lentils or tofu

Stir in lentils or crumbled tofu. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Add rice and tomatoes

Mix in the rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Garnish & pack

Top with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Divide into containers for meal prep.

Want another meatless option? This Vegetarian Burger Bowl Recipe is hearty, budget-friendly, and meal-prep ready.

🧊 Meal Prep & Storage Tips

One of the best things about Easy Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls is how well they keep.

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months — just thaw overnight and reheat in the microwave.
• Microwave tip: Sprinkle a few drops of water before reheating to keep the rice moist.

🎓 Student hack: Use sectioned containers (like the $1 ones from Walmart) to portion perfectly for the week!

🌈 Fun Student Hacks & Variations

• 🔥 Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
• 🧀 Cheesy Dream: Mix in shredded cheddar before serving.
• 🍚 Low-carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
• 🫘 Add beans: For extra fiber and fullness.
• 🌮 Mexican Twist: Add taco seasoning and corn kernels.

Craving more bowl ideas? Try our Burger Bowl Meal Prep Recipe for a fast, protein-packed lunch that tastes like takeout.

❓ FAQ — People Also Ask

1. Can you freeze unstuffed pepper bowls?
Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in microwave or skillet.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely — it’s leaner, cheaper, and just as flavorful.

3. How long does meal-prepped food last in the fridge?
Usually 4 days. After that, freeze any leftovers.

4. What rice works best?
White or jasmine rice for soft texture; brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber.

5. Are unstuffed pepper bowls healthy?
Yes! They’re high in protein, full of veggies, and balanced for energy and satiety.

6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Totally — just brown the meat first, then toss everything in and cook on low for 4 hours.

🧭 Conclusion

There you have it — your new go-to Easy Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls recipe.
It’s cheap, healthy, flavorful, and actually something you’ll want to eat all week. Whether you’re team ground beef or team lentil, this recipe proves that meal prep doesn’t have to be boring or expensive.