Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

There’s something truly special about stuffed bell peppers. Every time I prepare them, I’m reminded of Sunday dinners with my family. We gathered around the table, savoring each bite, sharing stories, and creating memories. Stuffed bell peppers were a regular feature on our menu, bursting with flavors and filled with love.

What I adore about this easy stuffed bell peppers recipe is its versatility. You can customize the filling based on what you have at home. The colorful bell peppers not only make for a beautiful presentation but also add a sweet crunch that perfectly complements the hearty filling.

This dish represents not just nourishment but also the joy of bringing people together. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a wholesome meal to impress friends, stuffed bell peppers never disappoint. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and create something truly delicious!

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fundamentals

Understanding the basics of stuffed bell peppers transforms how you approach this dish. You start with fresh, vibrant bell peppers, which serve as the perfect vessel for your filling. This recipe uses ground beef combined with rice, tomatoes, and spices to create a savory mixture.

You can use various fillings—vegetarian options like beans or lentils are excellent alternatives. The key is to ensure your filling is flavorful and well-seasoned. The cooking technique ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, making your dinner memorable.

Preparation/Setup

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, a crucial step for achieving perfectly cooked peppers. While the oven heats, prepare your bell peppers. Cut off the tops and remove the cores. Place the peppers cut side up in a baking dish or rimmed tray to hold them securely.

Next, prepare the filling in a large pan. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Sauté a medium diced onion until it softens, then stir in minced garlic cloves. Let the aroma fill your kitchen.

Ingredients

For this easy stuffed bell peppers recipe, you will need:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (or avocado 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 (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)

Directions

Now, let’s make the filling! Begin with your sautéed onion and garlic before adding the ground beef. Brown the beef for about 5-6 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces. Stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and paprika.

Allow the mixture to cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces. Taste the filling and season it with kosher salt and pepper. Stuff each bell pepper with this flavorful beef mixture, pressing gently to fill each one generously.

Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese over each pepper and return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. To finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Stuffed Bell Peppers Variations

Technique

Once you nail the basic technique, you can really get creative with your stuffed bell peppers. Instead of ground beef, think about using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You could even go completely vegetarian with roasted vegetables and quinoa.

Technique is vital in this dish. Make sure to prepare the filling just right and pack it well into the peppers. If the filling is too runny, let it simmer longer to reduce before stuffing.

Tips/Tricks

To enhance the flavors in your stuffed bell peppers, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the filling. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices like cumin or a hint of chili powder for a unique twist.

If you have leftovers, you don’t have to waste any. You can wrap them tightly in foil for easy reheating or enjoy them cold as a salad later.

Perfecting Results

Troubleshooting/Variations

Understanding common pitfalls can help you perfect this dish. If your peppers remain too firm, increase the baking time. Conversely, if your filling is dry, ensure you’re adding enough moisture with tomatoes or broth.

For variations, consider adding black beans, corn, or even jalapeños to the filling for extra flavor and texture. You can top them with different cheeses, too—mozzarella or pepper jack would complement the dish well.

Serving & Presentation

Pairings/Storage

When serving stuffed bell peppers, a simple green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with them. These meals balance out the richness of the peppers while providing additional textures to your dining experience.

For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They last for up to 3-4 days, making them an excellent option for meal prep. Reheat them in the oven or microwave and enjoy that delightful flavor all over again.

Stuffed bell peppers mean love and comfort in every bite. They are not just a meal but an experience bringing everyone together. Enjoy creating this dish with your family or friends!

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and customizable stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices. Perfect for family dinners or impressing friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (or avocado 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 (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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the cores. Place them cut side up in a baking dish.
3. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until it softens.
4. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Stir in the ground beef and brown for about 5-6 minutes.
6. Add the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and paprika to the mixture.
7. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces. Season with kosher salt and pepper.
8. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture, pressing gently to fill generously.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese over each pepper and return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. Vegetarian filling options include beans or quinoa.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pepper
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, easy recipe, family dinner, comfort food, customizable filling