Stuffed bell peppers are a classic dish that brings together protein, grains, and vegetables in one meal. It’s a recipe that doesn’t require much fuss but offers a satisfying result. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals for the week, stuffed peppers are versatile and easy to make. Here’s everything you need to know about preparing this dish, from selecting the right ingredients to storing leftovers.
Why Make Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Stuffed peppers make a balanced meal in one dish. Each pepper serves as its own edible bowl, packed with a blend of meat, rice, and vegetables. This recipe is adaptable, too, so you can make it to suit different tastes. Whether you follow a traditional ground beef recipe or swap in plant-based ingredients, stuffed peppers are an easy way to create a hearty meal without the need for multiple side dishes.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Each ingredient in stuffed bell peppers plays an important role. Here’s a look at what you’ll need and how each item contributes to the final dish.
- Bell Peppers: The main star of this recipe. Choose large, firm bell peppers without soft spots. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly bitter taste. Using a mix of colors can make the meal more appealing, but any color will work.
- Ground Meat: Ground beef is the typical choice, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options like crumbled tofu or lentils. If you’re using lean meat, keep in mind that adding a small amount of oil during cooking can help keep the filling moist.
- Cooked Rice: Rice adds texture and makes the filling more substantial. White or brown rice works well, but you can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Make sure the rice is cooked before adding it to the filling, as the peppers don’t bake long enough to cook raw rice.
- Vegetables: Onion and garlic are used to add flavor, but you can also add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the filling. Diced tomatoes provide moisture and a hint of acidity that balances the flavors.
- Seasoning: Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin bring warmth to the filling. Adjust these to taste, or add other herbs and spices like oregano or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Adding cheese on top of each pepper gives a nice, melted layer and adds richness. Cheddar and Monterey Jack work well, but you can use any cheese that melts smoothly. If you prefer a lighter option, feel free to skip the cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Stuffed Bell Peppers
Here’s a breakdown of the steps to make stuffed bell peppers.
Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and inner membranes. You should have an empty pepper “bowl” ready to hold the filling. Place the peppers in a baking dish, cut side up. If your peppers don’t stand up on their own, you can trim a tiny slice off the bottom to make them more stable.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking them until they’re soft and aromatic, which usually takes about three to four minutes. Next, add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is fully browned, drain any excess fat from the pan to avoid a greasy filling.
After the meat is cooked, stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. These ingredients not only bulk up the filling but also add texture and flavor. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste. Let the filling cook for another two to three minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Fill the Peppers
Spoon the filling mixture into each pepper, pressing it down gently so it fills the entire cavity. Top each pepper with a handful of shredded cheese. This will melt and create a golden crust during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Peppers
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the peppers from drying out as they cook. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like the cheese more browned, you can broil the peppers for a couple of minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the peppers are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You can garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness, but it’s optional. Serve each pepper as a complete meal, or pair it with a side salad if you’d like a lighter option.
Variations on Stuffed Bell Peppers
This recipe is flexible, and there are many ways to adapt it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground meat for crumbled tofu, lentils, or additional beans. You can also use a mix of chopped mushrooms and zucchini for a meaty texture without the meat.
- Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice in place of regular rice to keep the carbs low. This is a good option for anyone watching their carb intake or following a keto-friendly diet.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add a dash of smoked paprika and use Mexican-style cheese. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side.
- Italian-Inspired: Swap the chili powder and cumin for Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. Use marinara sauce instead of diced tomatoes and top with mozzarella cheese.
Try our Herb and Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers or Stuffed Pepper Soup.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Stuffed bell peppers store well, making them ideal for meal prep. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator: Once the peppers have cooled, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezer: You can freeze stuffed peppers for up to three months. Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Tips for Making Stuffed Bell Peppers
Here are a few tips to make the process smooth and ensure your stuffed peppers turn out just right:
- Choose Firm Peppers: Look for peppers that stand up on their own and have thick walls, as they hold their shape better during baking.
- Adjust the Filling: Feel free to taste and adjust the filling as you cook it. It’s easier to make changes before you fill the peppers, so ensure it has the right amount of seasoning to suit your taste.
- Don’t Overbake: While you want the peppers to be tender, overbaking can make them too soft. Check them around the 35-minute mark to avoid mushy peppers.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply fill the peppers and bake as directed.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed bell peppers work well as a complete meal, but you can also pair them with other dishes if you’re looking to round out the meal. Here are some simple ideas:
- Green Salad: A basic green salad with a light vinaigrette can add freshness and balance to the rich filling in the peppers.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to mop up any juices that gather in the bottom of the peppers.
- Roasted Vegetables: For an extra dose of veggies, serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed bell peppers are a simple, flexible, and satisfying meal that works for various diets and tastes. With a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both filling and balanced. Plus, the peppers make perfect meal prep for the week, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without extra cooking.
Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for an easy weeknight recipe, stuffed bell peppers are a good option to keep on hand. Follow the basic steps, choose ingredients that suit your tastes, and enjoy a meal that’s easy to make, serve, and enjoy.
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Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers
These hearty stuffed bell peppers are filled with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and vegetables, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying, colorful meal.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 bell peppers 1x
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Peppers: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish, cut side up.
- Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, cooking and breaking it apart until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix the Filling Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling into each prepared bell pepper, pressing down to compact. Top each pepper with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: bake
