As autumn arrives, nothing beats a warm, hearty meal from the oven. The smell of baked bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to enjoy every bite. This easy stuffed bell pepper recipe mixes classic flavors that will make your family gather around the table. They’ll love the comfort of a homemade dinner.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Stuffed bell peppers recipes are a beloved comfort food that’s easy to whip up at home.
- This recipe features ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce filling, topped with melted cheese for a delicious, satisfying meal.
- Leftover rice and 90% lean ground beef help keep the dish flavorful and healthy.
- Peppers with flat bottoms work best as they stand upright in the baking dish.
- You can prepare stuffed peppers in advance and freeze them for quick and easy reheating later.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
Stuffed bell peppers have been a beloved dish for generations. They are filled with a mix of beef, tomato sauce, and rice and topped with melted cheese, making them both satisfying and tasty. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal or a big gathering.
The secret to great stuffed bell peppers is in the filling. You’ll need 3 large bell peppers for 6 stuffed pepper halves. The filling includes 1/2 pound ground beef, onion, garlic, cooked rice, and tomato sauce. It’s flavored with garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt.
To take them up a notch, the recipe tops the peppers with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese. After baking for 30 minutes at 375°F, the peppers turn tender, and the cheese melts perfectly. This dish is quick to make, and ready in just 40 minutes.
Stuffed bell peppers are incredibly versatile. Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken, or experiment with grains like quinoa or farro for a different twist. You can even change the flavor to Mexican-inspired or Italian-style. These peppers will quickly become a favorite in your family.
Stuffed Bell Peppers Ingredients
To create the perfect stuffed bell peppers, start with a few essential ingredients. First up are the bell peppers—choose any color you prefer: red, yellow, orange, or green. Be sure to pick ones with flat bottoms so they can stand upright in the baking dish.
For the filling, ground beef is a must. Use a lean 90% variety for health without losing flavor. You can also opt for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes.
- Ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- Bell peppers
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or basmati)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Mozzarella cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
The rice in the filling can be cooked ahead of time or used as leftover rice. Long-grain options such as jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices.
Diced onion and minced garlic bring plenty of flavor to the dish. Tomato sauce helps keep the filling nice and moist.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of flavor. Before baking, don’t forget to top the peppers with shredded mozzarella cheese for a melty, delicious finish!
With these simple bell pepper stuffing ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious stuffed pepper dish. Now, let’s follow the step-by-step instructions for assembling and baking your stuffed bell peppers.
How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers
Making tasty and healthy stuffed bell peppers at home is simple. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a meal everyone will enjoy.
Preparing the Peppers
First, remove the tops from the bell peppers.. Remove the seeds and membranes inside, but leave the stems intact to help the peppers stand upright during baking. Place the hollowed-out peppers in a baking dish and set them aside.
Assembling the Filling
In a big skillet, cook 1 lb. of ground beef pepper recipe easily over medium heat. Crumble the meat into small pieces while it cooks. Add 1/2 cup of finely diced onion and bell peppers and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until the onions are soft.
After the beef is browned, mix in 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 (15 oz.) can of tomato sauce, and some salt, pepper, and other seasonings. Stir thoroughly to bring all the flavors together.
Stuffing and Baking
Use a spoon to stuff each bell pepper shell with the beef and rice mixture. Then, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each pepper.
Place the stuffed peppers in a 375°F oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious stuffed bell pepper dish ready to enjoy! It’s great for any meal or special event. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers
Make your stuffed bell peppers healthy and stuffed bell pepper casserole dishes even better with these tips. From picking the right peppers to perfecting the cheese topping, these tricks will make your stuffed peppers delicious every time.
Choose Sturdy Peppers
Find bell peppers with flat bottoms that can stand up on their own. This makes filling them easy and keeps them in shape while baking. Mixing different colored peppers adds a vibrant touch to your dish.
Use Cooked Rice
For the best texture, use cooked rice in your stuffing. It blends well with other ingredients and prevents the peppers from becoming soggy or undercooked.
Shred Your Cheese
Freshly grated cheese melts better than store-bought, which often has additives. Grate your own Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella for a creamy, gooey topping.
“Stuffed peppers are the perfect vehicle for all your favorite fillings – ground meat, rice, vegetables, and more. With a few simple tricks, you can master this classic comfort food dish.”
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Choose peppers with flat bottoms | Helps peppers stand upright for easy filling |
| Use cooked rice, not raw | Achieves better texture in the stuffing |
| Grate your cheese | Melts more smoothly than pre-shredded |
Follow these simple tips for perfectly stuffed bell peppers healthy and stuffed bell pepper casserole every time. Enjoy this classic comfort food dish to the fullest!
stuffed bell peppers recipe
Get ready to dive into the delectable world of stuffed bell peppers! This easy-to-follow recipe for stuffed bell pepper boats is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with flavor and ideal for a hearty weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and aromatic spices, these bell pepper boats are a comforting and nutritious meal.
The key to this dish’s success lies in the perfect balance of ingredients. With a ratio of 14.5 ounces of fire-roasted tomatoes and 5 cloves of garlic, the filling is packed with rich, robust flavors. The recipe calls for preheating the oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C), ensuring the bell peppers are cooked to perfection.
When it comes to the bell peppers themselves, the recipe recommends using 4-6 peppers. This provides a generous serving size and a visually appealing presentation. Each stuffed bell pepper boat contains a satisfying 534 calories, 30 grams of protein, and 33 grams of fat, making it a hearty and nourishing option.
This recipe shines because of its amazing versatility. You can easily switch up the filling by using Italian sausage or ground turkey instead of ground beef. For an extra nutritional boost, toss in vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or celery. The options are endless, giving you the freedom to put your twist on this classic dish.
Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or hosting a gathering, these stuffed bell pepper boats are bound to impress. Their vibrant colors, irresistible aroma, and hearty flavors make them a dish your family will love time and time again. Savor every bite and enjoy the comforting goodness of this easy-to-make recipe.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Prepare stuffed peppers. Vegetarian or stuffed peppers ground beef ahead of time. These tasty bell pepper boats can be stored for easy reheating. This makes serving them a breeze.
Prepping Peppers in Advance
Prepare the stuffed peppers up to a day ahead to save time before baking. Follow the recipe to fill the peppers, but skip the cheese. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for storage.
When ready to bake, top the peppers with cheese and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. Remove the cover for the final 10 minutes to let the cheese melt and brown.
Freezing Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers freeze well for longer storage. Follow the recipe to prepare the stuffed peppers, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Move them to airtight containers or bags after freezing. They can remain in the freezer for as long as 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, or until hot.
Reheating Stuffed Peppers
Reheat your stuffed peppers in the oven or microwave. For the oven, cover a baking dish and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. In the microwave, heat one pepper on high for about 2 minutes.
These tips make enjoying stuffed peppers, whether vegetarian or stuffed with ground beef, easy. You can have them ready with little effort on serving day.
Stuffed Pepper Variations
Classic stuffed bell peppers are tasty as they are, but they’re also easy to customize. Swap out the protein, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different grains to make this comfort food uniquely yours.
Protein Variations
- You can substitute ground Italian sausage or turkey sausage for ground beef to create a spicier or leaner filling.
- Ground chicken or turkey are also excellent protein options that pair well with bell pepper boats.
Grain Substitutions
- Try using quinoa or orzo in place of the traditional rice for a nutrient-dense or more al dente texture.
- Farro, barley, or even couscous can also work well as the base for the stuffing.
Veggie-Packed Peppers
Don’t be afraid to add more veggies like diced zucchini, corn kernels, or sliced black olives. These will make your stuffed peppers vegetarian dish even healthier and tastier.
Cheese Toppings
While cheddar or mozzarella cheese is great, you can try other cheeses. Use Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or a mix of cheeses for your bell pepper boats recipe.
Spice It Up
For a Southwestern twist, add cumin, chili powder, or fresh chopped cilantro to the filling. These options will pack your stuffed peppers with extra flavor.
No matter which changes you make, these stuffed peppers will become a favorite in your family.
What to Serve with Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers make a delicious main course, and the right side dishes can take them to the next level. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or a heartier accompaniment, there are plenty of options to complement your stuffed bell peppers recipe.
For a veggie-forward side, consider roasted green beans, sautéed broccolini, or a crisp Italian salad. These choices add flavor and balance to the meal. These dishes contrast nicely with the stuffed peppers. A crusty baguette or garlic bread can also be added to the meal.
Want more protein? Grilled shrimp skewers, chicken kebabs, or kofta kebabs are great choices. For a meat-free option, creamy hummus is a tasty choice.
Carb lovers can enjoy the peppers with cilantro lime rice, curried couscous, or cheesy broccoli and cauliflower rice. Don’t forget to include crispy air fryer baby potatoes or garlic parmesan sweet potato wedges for a flavorful and satisfying side dish..
Choosing the right sides is key to a balanced and satisfying meal. With so many choices, you’re sure to find the perfect sides to pair with your stuffed bell peppers.
Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Turn your dinner into something special with this stuffed bell peppers recipe. These colorful peppers are packed with ground beef, tomato sauce, and rice. They’re topped with cheese for a cozy meal. This classic recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for your family.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (optional)
- A 14.5 oz (411 g) can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (200g) cooked rice (brown or white)
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup (100 g) of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
- 6 bell peppers (any color)
Instructions:
Output:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Trim the tops off the bell peppers and take out the seeds and membranes. Blanch or roast them until they’re slightly soft.
3. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it browns. Drain any extra fat.
4. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño (if using) to the skillet. Cook until the onions are clear.
5. Mix in the diced tomatoes, rice, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Give it a few minutes for the flavors to come together.
6. Stuff the bell peppers with the beef and rice mixture, packing it in tightly.
7. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and top them with shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the peppers are soft and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Enjoy this tasty stuffed pepper recipe hot. For a fuller meal, add a side salad or your favorite veggies.
Conclusion
The stuffed bell peppers recipe is a timeless favorite. It’s simple to prepare and a favorite for many. You can try different fillings, like ground beef or turkey, to please everyone.
These peppers can be baked or slow-cooked, making a cozy meal. The mix of savory flavors and melted cheese is amazing. It’s a treat for your taste buds.
For a satisfying dish, try this stuffed bell pepper recipe. It’s simple and impressive. It’s a classic bell pepper boat recipe that’s sure to please. Enjoy the flavors and the comfort of a homemade meal.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in stuffed bell peppers?
Stuffed bell peppers have ground beef, tomato sauce, rice, onions, and cheese. Feel free to add other vegetables, meats, or grains to customize it to your taste.
What’s the best way to get bell peppers ready for stuffing?
Begin by slicing off the tops of the bell peppers and clearing out the seeds. Keep the stem. Bake them first to make them soft before filling.
Is it possible to prepare stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time. Just wait to add the cheese until you are ready to bake. Keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake and add the cheese.
How do I reheat stuffed bell peppers?
Warm them up in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, keeping them covered. Or, microwave individual peppers for 2 minutes on high.
Is it okay to substitute a different cheese or meat in the stuffing?
Sure! You can use cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese instead. You can also replace the beef with Italian sausage, ground chicken, or turkey.
What Pairs Well with Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Pair them with vegetable sides like roasted green beans or a fresh Italian salad. For a heartier meal, serve with sliced baguette bread.