Cheesy and savory, the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is an ideal dish for any occasion. These vibrant peppers filled with flavorful ground beef and fluffy brown rice deliver a hearty meal that can be customized to your taste. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick family meal, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and versatility. You can easily substitute the meat with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ingredients for a healthier option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or vegetarian options based on your dietary preferences.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of spices and tomatoes creates a savory filling that pairs perfectly with the sweet bell peppers.
- Healthy Meal Option: Packed with protein and fiber, these stuffed peppers offer a nutritious meal that feels indulgent.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make these easy stuffed bell peppers, you will need some essential tools that will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and prevents spills in your oven.
- Large skillet: The large surface area allows for even browning of the meat and quick sautéing of vegetables.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for breaking up the meat while cooking without scratching 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 (see notes)
– 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. Prepare by placing the 7 large bell peppers cut side up into a baking dish or a rimmed tray.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat 2 Tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Sauté the diced onion until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for about one minute more.
Step 3: Cook Ground Beef
Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pan.
Cook until no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon for about 5–6 minutes.
Step 4: Mix in Other Ingredients
Stir in:
1½ cup cooked brown rice,
one can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes,
1 tablespoon tomato paste,
1 teaspoon dried oregano,
and 2 teaspoons paprika.
Cook until the sauce is slightly reduced, about 4–5 minutes. Taste and season with kosher salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Stuff each pepper generously with the beef mixture. Bake until the peppers are mostly tender, about 10–12 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Sprinkle each pepper with one cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly. Bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Serving easy Stuffed Bell Peppers can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will complement this delicious dish.
With a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed with vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing and croutons offers a classic touch.
Pairing with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover filling.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls can be a great addition to soak up the flavors of the stuffed peppers.
Adding Some Spice
- Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the top for an extra kick.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or yogurt balances the spices well.
Garnishing
- Fresh Herbs: Top with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for added color and flavor.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon enhances the taste with a citrusy zing.
How to Perfect Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
To make your easy Stuffed Bell Peppers even better, consider these simple tips.
- Choose ripe bell peppers: Select peppers that are firm and vibrant in color for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook rice properly: Fluffy brown rice absorbs flavors well, making it an ideal base for stuffing.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
- Pre-cook peppers slightly: Blanching the peppers for a few minutes can enhance their tenderness before baking.
- Experiment with fillings: Try different proteins or add vegetables like spinach for variety in flavor.
- Let them rest before serving: Allowing stuffed peppers to sit for a few minutes enhances their overall taste and makes them easier to serve.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your easy Stuffed Bell Peppers can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli: A healthy and colorful addition that provides nutrients without overpowering flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: Light yet filling, this salad adds a nutty flavor that complements the stuffed peppers well.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the dish perfectly.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory stuffed peppers.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness and texture to your plate.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This zesty rice dish adds depth and flavor, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls to ensure a delicious outcome.
- Using overcooked rice – Ensure your brown rice is cooked but not mushy. Under-cook it slightly to allow it to absorb flavors while baking.
- Not seasoning adequately – Be generous with salt and pepper. Taste your filling before stuffing the peppers to ensure it’s flavorful.
- Choosing small peppers – Opt for large bell peppers to hold more filling. Smaller ones can lead to a messy presentation and less satisfying dish.
- Skipping the cheese topping – Cheese adds a delightful creamy texture. Always sprinkle shredded cheese on top before the final bake for the best results.
- Overbaking the peppers – Keep an eye on the bake time. Overbaked peppers can become too soft and lose their structure.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- These stuffed bell peppers will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place one stuffed pepper on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking if it’s heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little water and cover the skillet with a lid, heating for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of ground beef in this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even plant-based meats for a vegetarian option.
Can I prepare Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
How do I make my Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers spicy?
Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into your filling for an extra kick!
What sides pair well with Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Serve these stuffed peppers with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only cheesy and savory but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different proteins and spices based on your preference. Try them out and enjoy this delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table!
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Indulge in the deliciousness of our Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe, a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and savory flavors. These vibrant bell peppers are generously filled with seasoned ground beef, fluffy brown rice, and aromatic spices, making them a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Not only is this dish easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, but it also offers endless customization options—swap the beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives to suit your dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 7
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1½ cups cooked brown rice
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 7 large bell peppers (tops removed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish with the halved bell peppers.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until slightly reduced.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture and place them in the baking dish.
- Cover with cheese and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (approx. 240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
