Stuffed bell peppers are a classic, hearty dish filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, all baked to perfection. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize the filling based on your preferences. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, stuffed bell peppers make for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Filling: A well-balanced meal with protein, fiber, and vegetables.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked later.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything is cooked in one pan and baked in the peppers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Ground beef, turkey, or sausage
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Tomato sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
- Olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers:
Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and place them in a baking dish. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook the Filling:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. - Mix the Ingredients:
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture is well combined. - Stuff the Peppers:
Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Top with shredded cheese. - Bake:
Pour a small amount of water into the bottom of the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 to 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground meat with black beans, quinoa, or lentils.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Different Grains: Swap rice for quinoa, couscous, or farro for a different texture.
- Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use uncooked rice in the filling?
No, it’s best to use cooked rice, as raw rice won’t soften properly during baking.
2. What type of bell peppers work best?
Any color works, but red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly bitter taste.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake when ready.
4. How do I keep the peppers from getting soggy?
Avoid overcooking and do not add too much liquid to the filling. Baking uncovered at the end helps retain texture.
5. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option.
6. Do I need to pre-cook the bell peppers?
No, they soften in the oven while baking, but you can blanch them for a few minutes if you prefer a softer texture.
7. How do I make the filling more flavorful?
Adding seasonings like cumin, paprika, or fresh herbs can enhance the flavor.
8. Can I cook stuffed bell peppers in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook them on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the peppers are tender.
9. What can I serve with stuffed peppers?
They pair well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
10. Can I make a low-carb version?
Yes, substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.
Conclusion
Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you prefer a classic ground beef and rice filling or a vegetarian twist, this recipe is highly versatile. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even freezing for later, stuffed bell peppers are a must-try dish for any home cook.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Stuffed Bell Peppers are a flavorful and healthy dish filled with seasoned ground meat, rice, and melted cheese. Baked to perfection, this comforting meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Lightly grease a baking dish and place the peppers inside.
- Cook the Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use quinoa instead of rice for a healthier option.
- Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra spice
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