These STUFFED BELL PEPPERS are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a perfect choice for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Each pepper is filled with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, then topped with gooey cheese and baked until golden. This comforting dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings warmth to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
Prepare to fall in love with this recipe!
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these stuffed bell peppers without any fuss.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of seasoned beef, zesty tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
- Versatile Dish: Customize the filling with your favorite veggies or grains for a personal touch that suits everyone’s taste.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and veggies, these peppers make for a nutritious meal that keeps you feeling satisfied.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time; they store well in the fridge or freezer for quick meals later.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential tools needed to create these delicious stuffed bell peppers.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large skillet
- Cooking spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking for your stuffed bell peppers, helping them bake thoroughly.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the tops off the peppers easy and safe, allowing for clean edges.
- Large skillet: This tool is essential for evenly browning the ground beef and mixing in all your filling ingredients.
Ingredients
To prepare these delicious STUFFED BELL PEPPERS, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Peppers
- 6 bell peppers (any color, or a combination of colors)
- Cooking spray
For the Filling
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (I use 90% lean)
- 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice (do not use raw rice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided use)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
How to Make STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a large baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Peppers
- Slice the tops off each pepper carefully and remove the ribs and seeds from inside.
- Place the peppers cut side down in the baking dish.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of water into the baking dish to help steam during baking.
Step 3: Bake the Peppers
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. This step softens the peppers slightly before filling.
Step 4: Make the Filling
While the peppers are baking:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and season it with salt and pepper.
3. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Stir in finely chopped onion; cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until softened.
5. Mix in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. Stir everything together well. Incorporate half of your shredded cheese into this mixture as well. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper based on your preference.
Step 6: Fill Peppers
Remove baked peppers from oven; drain excess water if necessary. Turn them over carefully. Fill each pepper generously with your flavorful beef mixture.
Step 7: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of each filled pepper.
Step 8: Final Bake
Cover again with foil and bake for another 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly while peppers are tender.
Step 9: Serve
Once done baking, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving these delicious stuffed bell peppers! Enjoy!
How to Serve STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
Stuffed bell peppers are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a casual meal, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your stuffed bell peppers.
With a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens: A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing complements the savory flavors of the stuffed peppers beautifully.
Accompanied by Bread
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra tomato sauce.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls offer a comforting side option to balance the meal.
Topped with Extras
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and a tangy flavor.
- Chopped Avocado: Fresh avocado slices bring a creamy texture and healthy fats to your plate.
Pairing with Beverages
- Red Wine: A glass of red wine enhances the rich flavors of the beef and cheese.
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon is refreshing and light.
How to Perfect STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
To ensure your stuffed bell peppers turn out perfectly, consider these useful tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs not only taste better but also add vibrant color to your dish.
- Pre-cook Rice Properly: Always use cooked rice; uncooked rice will not soften properly during baking.
- Don’t Overstuff Peppers: Fill each pepper generously but avoid overfilling, which can cause them to burst while baking.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add spices like cumin or paprika for an extra flavor kick in the beef mixture.
- Adjust Cooking Time Accordingly: Depending on your oven, cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on the cheese for perfect browning.
- Let Them Cool Before Serving: Allowing the stuffed peppers to cool slightly helps the filling set, making them easier to serve.
Best Side Dishes for STUFFED BELL PEPPERS
When planning meals around stuffed bell peppers, pairing them with complementary sides can create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some excellent side dishes that go well with this classic comfort food.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender provide great color and flavor contrast.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs is a great way to soak up any remaining sauce from the peppers.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and crunch that balances the savory filling.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, making it an ideal summer side dish.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a hearty accompaniment that everyone loves.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad loaded with vegetables provides additional nutrients without overwhelming flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Stuffed bell peppers can be a delightful dish, but there are common pitfalls to be aware of. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your peppers are perfect every time.
- Using Raw Rice: Many cooks mistakenly use uncooked rice in the filling. Always use cooked rice to prevent undercooked and crunchy peppers.
- Not Pre-cooking the Peppers: Skipping the pre-baking step can lead to tough peppers. Bake them briefly before filling for better texture.
- Overstuffing: It’s tempting to fill them to the brim, but overstuffing can cause spills during cooking. Fill them generously, but leave some space at the top.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season the meat mixture well can result in bland flavors. Don’t forget salt, pepper, and herbs for a tasty filling.
- Skipping Cheese Topping: A missing cheese layer may lead to less appealing stuffed bell peppers. Always top with cheese for a delicious finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap each stuffed bell pepper tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place stuffed peppers on a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place a pepper on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it and heat for 3-5 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet with a lid on low heat. Add a splash of water and steam the peppers for about 10 minutes until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat for stuffed bell peppers?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based proteins if you prefer.
How do I make stuffed bell peppers healthier?
You can use brown rice instead of white rice and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini into the filling.
Can I prepare stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
What types of cheese work best for stuffed bell peppers?
Mozzarella is popular, but you can also try cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor!
Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers before cooking?
Yes! You can freeze them unbaked; just adjust cooking time when you’re ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed bell peppers are not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize the filling with various meats, grains, and vegetables based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep for the week, these stuffed bell peppers will surely satisfy your cravings!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Stuffed Bell Peppers, a classic comfort food that brings family and friends together. These colorful peppers are generously filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and zesty tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese for that perfect gooey finish. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is not only satisfying but also versatile—customize the filling with your favorite ingredients to suit every palate. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful stuffed peppers that are sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 6 bell peppers (any color)
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (90% lean)
- 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1.5 cups cooked white rice
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare the peppers by cutting off their tops and removing seeds.
- Place peppers cut-side down in the baking dish and add water.
- Bake covered with foil for 25 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil; brown ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Stir in onions and garlic until softened; add rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the cheese.
- Fill baked peppers with the beef mixture; top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper (about 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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