Cheesy and savory, Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also versatile. Stuff them with lean ground beef, turkey, or even vegetarian ingredients to suit your taste. With the combination of flavorful spices and fresh vegetables, this dish will delight everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This easy stuffed bell peppers recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich brown rice, these stuffed peppers are a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Customizable Filling: You can easily swap out the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives to fit your dietary needs.
- Great for Meal Prep: Prepare several servings in advance and enjoy them throughout the week—perfect for busy schedules!
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy topping and colorful bell peppers make this dish appealing to kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pan
- Baking dish or rimmed tray
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pan: Ideal for sautéing onions and browning ground beef efficiently.
- Baking dish or rimmed tray: Perfectly holds your stuffed bell peppers while they bake without spilling over.
- Wooden spoon: Great for breaking up meat while cooking without damaging your cookware.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 Tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
– 1 Medium Onion (diced)
– 2-3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
– 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
– 1½ Cup Cooked Brown Rice
– 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (one can)
– 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
– 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
– 2 teaspoons Paprika
– Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
– 7 Large Bell Peppers (top and core removed)
– 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
– Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 F. While it heats up, prepare your bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the cores.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan over medium heat, heat 2 Tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Sauté diced onion until it softens. Add minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pan. Stir occasionally until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as you cook.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Stir in cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and paprika into the mixture. Cook until slightly reduced, around 4–5 minutes. Season with kosher salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the beef mixture into each prepared bell pepper until filled. Place them in your baking dish cut side up.
Step 6: Bake Until Tender
Bake stuffed peppers in preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes until they are mostly tender.
Step 7: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over each stuffed pepper. Bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Serving your easy stuffed bell peppers is just as important as making them. These colorful and hearty meals can be presented in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that complements the savory peppers.
Serve with Garlic Bread
- Crispy garlic bread on the side offers a delightful texture and buttery flavor, perfect for scooping up any filling that spills out.
Enjoy with Quinoa
- A side of fluffy quinoa provides a nutritious addition that pairs well with the stuffed peppers, adding extra fiber and protein.
Add a Dipping Sauce
- Consider serving a tangy yogurt or ranch dip on the side for an extra layer of flavor to your stuffed bell peppers.
Top with Avocado Slices
- Fresh avocado slices add creaminess and healthy fats, making each bite even more satisfying.
How to Perfect Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
To achieve the best version of your easy stuffed bell peppers, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose fresh peppers: Using fresh, vibrant bell peppers ensures they are tender and flavorful after baking.
- Don’t overcook the filling: Cook the filling just enough so it doesn’t dry out during baking; it should remain moist and flavorful.
- Mix different meats: Experiment by blending lean ground beef with turkey or sausage for varied flavors in your filling.
- Season generously: Adjust spices according to your taste; don’t hesitate to add more paprika or oregano for extra depth.
- Cover while baking: Covering the dish with foil initially helps steam the peppers, making them tender before browning the cheese.
- Let rest before serving: Allowing the stuffed peppers to rest for a few minutes after baking lets flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Pairing your easy stuffed bell peppers with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy green option that balances out the richness of the stuffed peppers.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with cilantro and lime provides a zesty contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs well with savory fillings.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers complements the dish while adding vibrant color.
- Caesar Salad: This classic salad adds a creamy element that contrasts nicely with the texture of stuffed peppers.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide an indulgent side that’s perfect for those who crave something hearty alongside their meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks face challenges when preparing stuffed bell peppers. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers turn out delicious!
- Using raw peppers: Starting with unbaked or raw peppers can lead to crunchy results. Always bake them first for a tender texture.
- Overstuffing the peppers: Filling the peppers too much can cause spilling during cooking. Use a generous amount, but leave some room for expansion.
- Skipping seasoning: Neglecting spices can make the filling bland. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before stuffing the peppers.
- Not pre-cooking the filling: Cooking the meat and rice mixture ensures even cooking. Pre-cook your filling for better flavor and texture.
- Ignoring baking time: Underbaking can result in tough peppers, while overbaking leads to mushiness. Keep an eye on your peppers for ideal tenderness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- To freeze, wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed, for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best meat for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?
You can use lean ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even sausage. Choose what you prefer or have on hand!
How do I make vegetarian Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?
Swap out meat for black beans, lentils, or quinoa mixed with veggies and cheese for a hearty vegetarian option.
Can I prepare Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge before baking.
What sides pair well with Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?
Serve them with a fresh salad or crusty bread to complete your meal.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only cheesy and savory, but they also offer plenty of room for customization. You can easily adapt this recipe by changing proteins or using different spices. Try it today for a comforting meal that brings joy to any dinner table!
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Indulge in the savory goodness of Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, a warm and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. These colorful peppers are filled with a delicious mix of lean ground beef, brown rice, and spices, then topped with melted cheese for added richness. Not only are they quick to prepare—taking just 40 minutes from start to finish—but they are also highly customizable to suit any dietary preference. Whether you opt for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian filling, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for busy weekdays, these stuffed peppers deliver on flavor while offering a healthy balance of protein and veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Lean ground beef (or alternative)
- Cooked brown rice
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Large bell peppers
- Shredded cheddar jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Sauté diced onion in olive oil until soft, then add minced garlic.
- Cook ground beef until browned; stir in cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the mixture into prepared bell peppers and place them cut side up in a baking dish.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until tender. Top with cheese and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
