The Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is a delicious and wholesome meal that combines vibrant bell peppers with flavorful fillings. These stuffed peppers can be made with ground meat, rice, and savory seasonings for a classic version, or you can opt for a vegetarian twist using beans, quinoa, or vegetables.
The dish is versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Whether baked with cheese or topped with fresh herbs, this Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Preparation and Cooking Time
One of the best things about making stuffed bell peppers is that it doesn’t take too long to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of the time required:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
This means you can have a hearty meal ready in about an hour, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special family meals.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Easy Cooking
Before you start, having the right tools will make the process smooth and hassle-free. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large baking dish: To hold the stuffed peppers securely while baking.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For slicing the bell peppers and chopping ingredients.
- Mixing bowls: To combine the filling ingredients.
- Skillet or saucepan: For cooking the filling before stuffing the peppers.
- Spoon or spatula: To mix and stuff the peppers with the prepared filling.
- Aluminum foil: To cover the peppers while baking to ensure even cooking.
Choosing the Right Bell Peppers
Bell peppers come in different colors, including red, green, yellow, and orange. Each type has a slightly different taste. Red bell peppers are the sweetest, while green ones have a more robust, slightly bitter flavor. Yellow and orange peppers provide a milder sweetness. For a well-balanced dish, you can mix different colors to enhance both taste and visual appeal.
Ingredients for Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 cup quinoa or cooked lentils
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese or vegan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions For Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether you prefer a classic ground beef and rice filling or a vegetarian alternative, this dish is packed with flavor. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfectly baked stuffed peppers that your whole family will love.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before starting the preparation, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the peppers cook evenly and develop a tender texture while baking.
Step 2: Clean and Prepare the Bell Peppers
Wash the bell peppers thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Once cleaned, cut off the tops and carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside. This step creates a hollow space, making them ready to be stuffed with delicious filling.
Step 3: Enhance the Flavor of the Peppers
To add an extra layer of flavor, lightly brush the outer surface of each bell pepper with olive oil. This helps achieve a slight charred taste during baking. Once coated, place the prepared peppers upright in a baking dish, ensuring they remain stable and ready for stuffing.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
The filling is the heart of stuffed bell peppers, and it can be customized based on dietary preferences. For a classic version, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté chopped onions and garlic until softened. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, letting the mixture simmer for five minutes to allow the flavors to blend. For a vegetarian option, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then stir in black beans, cooked quinoa or lentils, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined for a flavorful, plant-based alternative.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers and Begin Baking
Once the filling is ready, carefully spoon it into each prepared bell pepper, gently pressing down to pack it in. To retain moisture and add extra flavor, pour a small amount of tomato sauce over each stuffed pepper. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the peppers to become tender.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers. Return them to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden. Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let the stuffed peppers rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period enhances the flavors and ensures a perfect bite every time.
For a similar vegetarian filling idea, check out the Quinoa Taco Bowl Recipe.
Step 3: Stuffing and Baking the Peppers
- Spoon the prepared filling into each bell pepper, pressing gently to pack them.
- Pour a small amount of tomato sauce over each stuffed pepper for extra moisture.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.
- Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Delicious Variations of Stuffed Bell Peppers
Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
This traditional version uses a rich tomato-based sauce and slow-cooked beef and rice mixture for a comforting, home-cooked meal.
Stuffed Peppers with Rice
A simple yet flavorful combination of rice, vegetables, and protein, making it a hearty dish with a great texture.
Best Stuffed Peppers Recipe
The perfect balance of seasoning, ingredients, and a blend of meats and vegetables to create a filling and delicious meal.
What to Put in Stuffed Peppers?
The options are endless! You can add cheese, beans, corn, ground chicken, sausage, or even mushrooms to create your own version of stuffed peppers.
Easy Stuffed Peppers
A quick and effortless variation that uses pre-cooked ingredients to speed up the cooking process.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
A deconstructed version of the classic dish, where all the ingredients are simmered in a flavorful broth to create a hearty soup.
Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with Cream Cheese
Adding cream cheese to the filling creates a creamy, indulgent texture that enhances the overall taste.
Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Chicken
For a leaner protein option, use ground chicken instead of beef. It offers a lighter taste while still being full of flavor. Moreover, for a chicken-based variation, you can take inspiration from the Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed bell peppers are a complete meal on their own, but you can serve them with sides like:
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp.
Storing and Reheating Stuffed Peppers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each pepper in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Conclusion
Stuffed bell peppers are a versatile and delicious meal that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you’re making an old-fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe or a vegetarian stuffed pepper version, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Try different variations to find your favorite and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal!
Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers any color
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 cup quinoa or cooked lentils
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese or vegan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature. Wash the bell peppers thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Once cleaned, cut off the tops and carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside.
- This helps create a hollow space for the filling. To enhance the flavor, lightly brush the outer surface of each pepper with olive oil, which adds a slight charred taste when baked. Place the prepared peppers upright in a baking dish, ensuring they remain stable and ready for stuffing.
- The filling is the heart of stuffed bell peppers, and there are multiple variations to suit different tastes. For classic stuffed peppers, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté chopped onions and garlic until softened.
- Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, letting the mixture simmer for about five minutes to blend the flavors.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, start by heating olive oil in a skillet, then sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Stir in black beans, cooked quinoa or lentils, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let it cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined. The result is a rich, protein-packed filling with bold flavors.
- Once the filling is ready, carefully spoon it into each prepared bell pepper, pressing gently to pack it in. To keep the peppers moist and flavorful, pour a small amount of tomato sauce over the top of each one. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After that, remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the tops, and bake for another 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and turn golden, adding a delicious finishing touch. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let the stuffed peppers rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and enhance the overall taste.
Notes
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each pepper in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
