These Stuffed Peppers are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Bursting with savory ground beef or turkey, rice, and Italian spices, they are both hearty and healthy. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is also freezer-friendly, making it a convenient choice for busy weeks. You’ll love how these stuffed peppers can please picky eaters while packing in nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up these stuffed peppers in no time.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of seasoned meat, rice, and melted cheese creates a deliciously comforting dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite proteins or vegetables to suit your taste.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick meal later.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from the peppers and lean protein, these stuffed peppers are a wholesome choice.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your stuffed peppers, gather your kitchen tools. Using the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking the meat and vegetables evenly.
- Baking dish: Holds the stuffed peppers while they bake, ensuring they cook properly.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Knife: A good sharp knife will help you chop ingredients quickly and safely.
Ingredients
These Stuffed Peppers are filled with rice, ground beef or turkey, tomato sauce and Italian seasonings. They’re a healthy meal that’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly.
For the Filling
- ¾ cups uncooked brown rice (or white rice, 1 ½ cups cooked)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¾ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce (¾ cup)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese, 4 ounces, divided)
For the Peppers
- 6 bell peppers (any color)
How to Make Stuffed Peppers
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Cook rice according to package directions or your preferred cooking method. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400° F.
Step 3: Prepare the Peppers
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it starts to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Cook Meat
Add the ground beef (or ground turkey) to the pan. Cook while crumbling until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook while stirring for about 30 seconds.
Step 6: Combine Filling Ingredients
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Mix in Rice & Cheese
Remove pan from heat. Stir in cooked rice along with half of the shredded cheese until combined.
Step 8: Fill Peppers
Pour ½ cup of water into a baking dish. Fill each bell pepper with the meat mixture and place them in the baking dish. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top.
Step 9: Bake
Cover with aluminum foil that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Bake for 30 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is lightly browned and filling is hot. Serve warm.
Enjoy these delicious stuffed peppers as a nutritious meal option that is sure to become a family favorite!
How to Serve Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed Peppers make for a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are serving them for a family dinner or a casual gathering, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Serve with a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers to add freshness.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing complements the dish well.
Pair with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the stuffed peppers.
- Crusty French Baguette: Adds a nice crunch and is great for dipping.
Add Some Sauces
- Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a kick, drizzle some hot sauce on top.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can balance the flavors nicely.
Serve with Grains
- Quinoa: A nutritious alternative to rice that pairs well with the peppers.
- Couscous: Light and fluffy, couscous can soak up flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Stuffed Peppers
To achieve the best results when making Stuffed Peppers, consider the following tips.
- Boldly season your meat: Make sure to thoroughly season the ground meat for maximum flavor.
- Use colorful peppers: Different colored peppers not only look great but also offer varied flavors.
- Pre-cook the filling: Ensuring the rice and meat mixture is cooked before stuffing allows even cooking.
- Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on your cooking time to prevent sogginess in the peppers.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Peppers
Complement your Stuffed Peppers with these delicious side dishes. They enhance the meal while keeping it balanced.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection adds color and nutrition.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli provides a lovely crunch alongside stuffed peppers.
- Coleslaw: This tangy side brings a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of stuffed peppers.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice pilaf enhances the meal without overshadowing the stuffed peppers’ taste.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty accompaniment.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a pop of sweetness that balances out savory stuffed peppers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Stuffed Peppers, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the Pre-cooking: Not cooking the rice before mixing can lead to crunchy texture. Always cook your rice according to package directions first.
- Ignoring Pepper Types: Using only one color of bell pepper can limit flavor. Mix different colors for a more vibrant dish.
- Overfilling Peppers: Stuffing peppers too full may cause them to burst. Leave about an inch of space at the top when filling.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Skimping on seasonings can make the dish bland. Be generous with your Italian herbs and garlic.
- Removing Cheese Too Early: Taking the peppers out of the oven too soon can leave cheese unbrowned. Bake until cheese is nicely melted and golden.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Stuffed Peppers
- Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Stuffed Peppers
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to steam and warm evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do stuffed peppers last in the fridge?
Stuffed Peppers can last up to 4 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes! You can freeze stuffed peppers for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well wrapped.
What kind of meat is best for stuffed peppers?
Ground beef and turkey are popular choices, but you can also use chicken or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.
Can I customize my stuffed peppers?
Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables, spices, or even grains like quinoa for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Are stuffed peppers healthy?
Stuffed Peppers are a nutritious meal option packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the vegetables.
Final Thoughts
These Stuffed Peppers make for a delicious meal that is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients or adapt them based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Stuffed Peppers
These Stuffed Peppers are a family favorite, combining savory ground beef or turkey with rice, aromatic Italian spices, and gooey melted cheese. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even freezing for a later date. Bursting with flavor and nutrients, these colorful bell peppers make a wholesome dish that pleases both kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or reheated, they are sure to become a staple in your household.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 6 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- ¾ cup uncooked brown rice (or 1 ½ cups cooked)
- ¾ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions; set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened.
- Add ground meat; cook until browned, draining excess grease. Stir in garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in cooked rice and half the cheese.
- Fill each pepper with the mixture, place in a baking dish with water, and top with remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
