Introduction
Stuffed bell peppers are one of those classic comfort foods that never go out of style. They are colorful, tasty, and packed with a mix of healthy ingredients. The best part? They are simple to make and can be adjusted to fit your taste. This recipe is perfect for busy families, dinner with friends, or even meal prep for the week.
With just a few fresh ingredients like bell peppers, rice, ground meat, and cheese, you can create a wholesome dish that looks just as good as it tastes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the easy step-by-step process of making stuffed bell peppers. Whether you are a beginner cook or someone who enjoys trying new recipes, this one is going to be a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients – Stuffed Bell Peppers
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color you like – red, yellow, green, or orange)
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step by Step Process – Stuffed Bell Peppers
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect stuffed bell peppers:
Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
- Wash the bell peppers under running water.
- Cut off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes inside.
- Set the cleaned peppers aside.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook until it turns brown. Break it into small pieces with a spoon.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes so all the flavors blend together.
Step 3: Fill the Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the cleaned bell peppers in a baking dish.
- Spoon the filling mixture into each pepper until full.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
Step 4: Bake the Peppers
- Add about ½ cup of water to the bottom of the baking dish (this keeps the peppers moist while baking).
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Take the peppers out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with a side salad, bread, or even more rice.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Vitamin C | 90% of daily need |
| Vitamin A | 35% of daily need |
| Calcium | 20% of daily need |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Yes! Quinoa is a great substitute and makes the dish even more nutritious.
Q2: Can I make stuffed peppers vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just replace the meat with beans, lentils, or extra veggies.
Q3: Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the peppers, cover them, and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q5: Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?
Yes! Cooked stuffed peppers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in freezer bags.
Q6: Which color of bell pepper is the best to use?
It depends on your taste. Red and yellow peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly bitter flavor.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed bell peppers are more than just a pretty dish on the dinner table—they’re a complete meal in themselves. With protein from the meat, carbs from the rice, and vitamins from the peppers, you get a healthy and balanced dish that the whole family will love.
The recipe is flexible too. You can change the meat, swap rice for quinoa, or even go vegetarian. Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to customize to your liking.
So, the next time you’re looking for a meal that’s healthy, filling, and easy to make, give these stuffed bell peppers a try. They are colorful, tasty, and sure to impress your family or guests.
