Colorful Stuffed Peppers Recipe: A Hearty Family Favorite

Crafting delectable stuffed peppers brings a burst of Mediterranean charm to your dinner table.

Colorful bell peppers become vessels for a savory mixture that promises pure comfort.

Layers of seasoned rice, tender meat, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight meals transform into something special with this simple yet impressive dish.

Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan add the perfect finishing touch.

Dig in and savor every delightful bite of this classic crowd-pleaser.

How to Store Stuffed Peppers Freshly

• Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring they're sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Wrap individual peppers in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place a single pepper on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of peppers for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various bell peppers like red, yellow, or green. Just ensure they’re similar in size for even cooking.

• Is it possible to make these peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the stuffed peppers, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free rice or quinoa, and ensure all other ingredients like tomato sauce are certified gluten-free. Always check labels carefully.

• Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Stuffed Peppers That Are Bursting with Flavor

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match your dietary preferences, whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, making this recipe super adaptable.
• Master One-Dish Meal: Packed with protein, grains, and veggies, these stuffed peppers deliver a complete nutritious dinner without multiple cooking steps.
• Kid-Friendly Makeover: Colorful bell peppers and cheesy topping transform a potentially boring meal into an exciting dish that children will eagerly devour.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking techniques mean you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Savory Stuffed Peppers

• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that serve as the base and edible container for the stuffing.
• Ground Meat or Beans: Provides protein and hearty texture for the stuffed peppers.
• Rice or Quinoa: Offers a filling and nutritious base for the stuffing.

• Onions, Garlic: Add depth of flavor and aromatic base to the stuffing.
• Salt, Pepper, Herbs and Spices: Enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create moisture and add rich tomato flavor to the stuffing.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a smooth cooking base.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides a melty topping that adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.

How to Prepare Stuffed Peppers with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for delicious pepper magic.

Step 2: Prepare Bell Peppers

Slice off the pepper tops and carefully remove all seeds and inner membranes, creating perfect pepper vessels for your filling.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Onions
• Garlic

Stir and let them dance until softened and releasing incredible flavors.

Step 4: Build the Protein Layer

• Ground beef or turkey
• Brown meat completely

• Skip this step and move to next

Step 5: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Cooked rice or quinoa
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Herbs and spices
• Salt and pepper

Mix everything thoroughly.

Step 6: Boost Vegetarian Option

• Black beans
• Chopped vegetables
• Extra seasonings

Step 7: Stuff Those Peppers

Generously fill each pepper shell with your delicious mixture, packing in maximum flavor.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese over each stuffed pepper for gooey goodness.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.

Remove foil and bake additional 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese melts beautifully.

Step 10: Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece and serve immediately.

Enjoy your flavor-packed stuffed peppers!

Pro Tips for Perfectly Cooked Stuffed Peppers

• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the filling for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Pat bell peppers dry before stuffing to reduce excess moisture and maintain structural integrity.
• Prepare stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld overnight for even more delicious results.
• Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, tofu, or tempeh for vegetarian and vegan options.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like feta, gouda, or pepper jack to elevate the dish's overall flavor.

Variations to Customize Stuffed Peppers

• Vegan Quinoa Peppers: Replace ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, add extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for protein and texture.
• Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Swap rice with couscous, use lamb instead of beef, add feta cheese, incorporate olives, pine nuts, and fresh parsley for Mediterranean flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Peppers: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, use ground turkey or chicken, add cream cheese for richness, include spinach and herbs for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Mexican Stuffed Peppers: Use black beans and corn, replace tomato sauce with salsa, add jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, incorporate taco seasoning for a bold southwestern kick.

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Peppers

• Family Feast Companion: Pair these stuffed peppers with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the dish's flavor profile.
• Side Dish Delight: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa pilaf to complement the rich, hearty stuffed peppers and create a balanced plate.
• Wine Pairing Wonder: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to enhance the savory flavors of the meat-based version, or a crisp white wine for the vegetarian option.

Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired stuffed peppers blend savory ground beef, rice, and melted cheese inside roasted bell peppers. Spicy seasonings and fresh garnishes elevate this hearty meal perfect for dinner gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4–6 large bell peppers
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cooked rice (white or brown)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 grams) shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking environment.
2. Carefully slice off pepper tops and meticulously extract all seeds and internal membranes, creating clean hollow vessels.
3. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. For meat version, brown ground meat completely; for vegetarian alternative, skip meat addition.
5. Incorporate rice or quinoa into the skillet, blending with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and a harmonious blend of herbs and seasonings.
6. For vegetarian preparation, fold in complementary beans and colorful vegetables to enhance nutritional profile.
7. Generously stuff each pepper shell with the prepared mixture, arranging them snugly in a baking dish.
8. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across pepper tops for a rich, melted finish.
9. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 30 minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
10. Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until peppers achieve desired tenderness and cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
11. Plate immediately while piping hot, ready to be savored.

Notes

• Customize your peppers by selecting colorful bell peppers like red, yellow, and orange for a vibrant presentation.
• Select lean ground meat or plant-based protein alternatives to adjust the recipe’s nutritional profile and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Pre-cook rice or quinoa slightly less than package instructions to prevent overcooking during baking and maintain a perfect texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like feta, mozzarella, or dairy-free alternatives to create unique flavor combinations and cater to various dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 18 kcal
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 38 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1.2 g
• Cholesterol: 2 mg