Cheesy and savory, the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. These stuffed peppers combine flavorful ground beef with fluffy brown rice, making them not only delicious but also healthy. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a hearty dinner to loved ones, this recipe stands out for its versatility. You can easily substitute the protein to accommodate dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can use ground beef, turkey, chicken, sausage, or even vegetarian options to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly Meal: Kids love the cheesy goodness of these stuffed peppers, making it a hit at the dinner table.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein and fiber, these peppers are a nutritious choice that keeps you full.
- Great for Meal Planning: Stuffed bell peppers can be made in advance and stored for easy reheating throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make preparing your easy Stuffed Bell Peppers smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish or rimmed tray
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish or rimmed tray: Ensures even cooking and prevents spills in the oven.
- Large skillet: Provides enough space to sauté ingredients without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for breaking up meat while cooking without scratching your pans.
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
– 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. While it’s heating up, prepare your baking dish by placing the large bell peppers cut side up in it.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a large pan over medium heat, heat the extra-virgin olive oil.
Add the diced onion and sauté until it softens.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute more.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add 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 cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and paprika.
Cook until sauce is slightly reduced for about 4–5 minutes.
Taste and season with kosher salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture evenly.
Bake until the peppers are mostly tender for about 10–12 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over each stuffed pepper.
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 is a delightful experience. These vibrant and hearty peppers can be accompanied by various sides or garnishes to enhance their flavor and presentation.
With a Fresh Salad
- A crisp green salad complements the stuffed peppers well. Consider using mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Over Quinoa
- Quinoa added as a base can make the meal more filling. Its nutty flavor pairs nicely with the savory stuffing.
With Sour Cream
- A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices in the dish. It’s an easy way to elevate your peppers!
Topped with Avocado
- Sliced or diced avocado brings creaminess and healthy fats to the plate, enhancing both taste and nutrition.
Served with Crusty Bread
- A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread on the side is perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce from the stuffed peppers.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil not only add color but also a burst of fresh flavor when sprinkled on top before serving.
How to Perfect Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Perfecting your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers can elevate this dish to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure success:
- Choose ripe bell peppers: Select peppers that are firm and shiny for optimal flavor and texture.
- Use leftover rice: Using day-old cooked rice can help maintain the right texture without becoming mushy.
- Season well: Don’t hesitate to adjust spices according to your taste. More paprika or oregano can enhance the flavors.
- Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your peppers while baking; you want them tender but not overcooked.
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to switch up ingredients—try ground turkey, sausage, or even plant-based options for variety.
- Let them rest: Allow stuffed peppers to sit for about 5 minutes after baking — this helps meld flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
To round out your meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair beautifully with Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up sauce; just spread garlic butter on slices and bake until golden.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp Romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing adds crunch and zest.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil make a colorful and healthy side.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch alongside the savory stuffed peppers.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice pilaf adds another layer of taste, complementing the meal well.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread balances the savory flavors of the stuffed peppers nicely.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
- Chips and Salsa: For a fun twist, serve tortilla chips with salsa as an appetizer before diving into your meal!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Using Raw Peppers: Not pre-cooking the bell peppers can lead to crunchy, undercooked peppers. Pre-roast them for a softer texture.
- Overstuffing: Filling the peppers too much can cause them to split. Make sure to leave a little space at the top for expansion.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to taste and season your meat mixture can result in bland stuffed peppers. Always taste and adjust seasoning before stuffing.
- Skipping the Cheese: Cheese adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip it! Add cheese on top for a delicious finish.
- Not Measuring Ingredients: Eyeballing ingredients can throw off the balance of flavors. Use precise measurements for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow stuffed peppers to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered with foil for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet with a splash of water, cover, and steam until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe.
Can I make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian option that is still filling and delicious.
How do I customize Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?
Feel free to add different vegetables or grains like quinoa or corn. You can also use different types of cheese based on your preference.
What types of meat work best in this recipe?
You can use lean ground beef, turkey, chicken, or sausage depending on your taste preferences. Each option brings unique flavors!
How long does it take to cook Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?
The total time is about 40 minutes from preparation to baking. This includes prep time and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is not only cheesy and savory but also versatile enough for any dietary preference. Whether you opt for meat or keep it vegetarian, these stuffed peppers are sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients, as customization options make this dish even more delightful!
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe, where savory ground beef meets fluffy brown rice in a vibrant bell pepper shell. This dish is not only cheesy and satisfying but also incredibly versatile, allowing for substitutions based on your dietary preferences. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, these stuffed peppers are a family favorite that can be customized with different proteins and seasonings. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, this delightful recipe is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 7
- Category: Dinner
- 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 (1 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
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté diced onion until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for about one minute.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon for about 5–6 minutes.
- Mix in cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and paprika. Cook for an additional 4–5 minutes until slightly reduced; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture and place them cut side up in a baking dish. Bake for 10–12 minutes until peppers are tender.
- Sprinkle cheese on top of each stuffed pepper and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
