Stuffed bell peppers are the epitome of comfort food—a hearty, flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by the entire family. With a savory beef and rice filling, a generous amount of melted cheese, and the bright pop of color from the bell peppers, this dish is as satisfying as it is visually appealing. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight meal or making it ahead for meal prep, these easy stuffed bell peppers are sure to become a staple in your household.
PrintEasy Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Comfort Food Classic
There’s nothing like the cozy feeling of Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers to make you feel right at home! 🌶️🍚 These flavorful peppers are packed with a delicious mix of ground meat, rice, and savory seasonings, all baked to perfection. 🧀✨ Perfect for a quick dinner or a make-ahead meal, this comfort food classic will always be a family favorite! 😋
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- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 7 stuffed peppers 1x
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This oil serves as the base for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding richness and a subtle flavor that enhances the filling.
- 1 Medium Onion (Diced): Onions form the flavor foundation of the dish, offering sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2–3 Garlic Cloves (Minced): Garlic adds a burst of flavor, balancing the richness of the beef and complementing the spices in the filling.
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef: The star of the filling, ground beef adds heartiness and flavor. You can substitute this with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if preferred.
- 1½ Cups Cooked Brown Rice: The brown rice brings a hearty, earthy flavor and chewy texture, making the filling more substantial and filling. It also helps bind the beef mixture together.
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (1 Can): The diced tomatoes contribute acidity and moisture to the filling, balancing the richness of the beef.
- 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste: Tomato paste deepens the flavor of the tomatoes, giving the filling a rich, concentrated taste.
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano: This herb adds an earthy, slightly bitter note that enhances the savory flavors of the filling.
- 1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika imparts a deep, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the sweet bell peppers and savory filling.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper (To Taste): These seasonings are essential for balancing all the flavors and bringing them together.
- 7 Large Bell Peppers (Tops and Cores Removed): The bell peppers serve as the vessel for the filling. Choose peppers that are large and sturdy, making them easier to stuff and cook.
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese: The cheese adds a creamy, melty texture and a bit of sharpness that balances the other flavors.
- Fresh Parsley for Garnish: This adds a touch of color and freshness to the finished dish, elevating its visual appeal.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to ensure that the bell peppers cook through while allowing the filling to become hot and bubbly.
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers
While the oven is heating up, prepare the bell peppers. Cut off the tops of each pepper and remove the cores and seeds. If you’d like the peppers to cook a bit faster and become more tender, you can pre-cook them for 5 minutes in the microwave or a pot of boiling water. For this recipe, I suggest leaving the peppers slightly crisp to maintain their structure during baking.
Arrange the cleaned peppers cut-side up in a baking dish. If you have an oven-safe dish large enough to hold all seven peppers comfortably, that’s ideal. You want to ensure that they are snug but not overcrowded, so the filling can cook evenly.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions. Cook the onions for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant. This step forms the flavor base for the filling, allowing the natural sweetness of the onions to caramelize and meld with the garlic.
4. Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break the meat apart using a wooden spoon and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Be sure to drain any excess fat from the beef to prevent the filling from becoming too greasy.
5. Add the Rice, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. Let it cook for another 4–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to become heated through. The tomato paste helps to thicken the filling and add richness, while the smoked paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
6. Stuff the Peppers
Now it’s time to stuff the peppers! Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper, packing the filling in gently but firmly. Be sure to distribute the filling evenly among the peppers. If you have extra filling, you can serve it on the side or save it for another meal.
7. Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. During this time, the peppers will begin to soften, and the filling will heat through. If you prefer your peppers to be more tender, you can bake them for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
8. Add the Cheese
After the initial baking, remove the peppers from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar jack cheese on top of each one. Return the peppers to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The cheese adds a creamy texture and a delightful layer of flavor to the peppers, making them even more irresistible.
9. Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve these stuffed peppers with a side of steamed vegetables, a light salad, or your favorite grain for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ground Beef: If you’re not a fan of beef or want a leaner option, try using ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles. These alternatives will provide a similar texture but with different flavor profiles.
- Rice: While brown rice is hearty and nutritious, you can swap it for other grains like quinoa, farro, or couscous. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, cauliflower rice is an excellent substitute that will keep the dish light and low in carbs.
- Cheese: Cheddar jack cheese is a great melting cheese, but you can use other varieties such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Spices: Experiment with different seasonings to suit your preferences. A pinch of chili powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning can add depth and complexity to the filling. For an extra burst of freshness, add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
In this article, we will explore how to make this dish from start to finish, providing tips for ingredient substitutions, variations, and serving suggestions that will elevate the dish to new heights. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook the bell peppers, how to balance the flavors of the filling, and how to make the entire process as simple as possible. Let’s dive in!
The Appeal of Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers have been a beloved dish for generations. They are simple, nutritious, and customizable, making them a perfect fit for any family or gathering. The beauty of stuffed peppers lies not only in their versatility but also in their ability to take on bold and comforting flavors. When combined with the rich and hearty filling of ground beef, brown rice, and seasonings, the bell peppers transform into a complete meal that satisfies all the senses.
The sweet, slightly smoky aroma of the bell peppers roasting in the oven mingles with the savory scent of the beef and tomato mixture, filling the kitchen with warmth. The texture contrast between the tender, slightly caramelized bell pepper and the flavorful, juicy filling is a delightful experience with every bite. Topped with melted cheese, these stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, thanks to their vibrant colors.
This dish is also incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap ingredients based on dietary preferences or what you have in your pantry, ensuring that this recipe can be tailored to fit your family’s needs. Plus, the fact that they can be prepared ahead of time makes them a fantastic choice for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make these easy stuffed bell peppers, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This oil serves as the base for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding richness and a subtle flavor that enhances the filling.
- 1 Medium Onion (Diced): Onions form the flavor foundation of the dish, offering sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2–3 Garlic Cloves (Minced): Garlic adds a burst of flavor, balancing the richness of the beef and complementing the spices in the filling.
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef: The star of the filling, ground beef adds heartiness and flavor. You can substitute this with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if preferred.
- 1½ Cups Cooked Brown Rice: The brown rice brings a hearty, earthy flavor and chewy texture, making the filling more substantial and filling. It also helps bind the beef mixture together.
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (1 Can): The diced tomatoes contribute acidity and moisture to the filling, balancing the richness of the beef.
- 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste: Tomato paste deepens the flavor of the tomatoes, giving the filling a rich, concentrated taste.
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano: This herb adds an earthy, slightly bitter note that enhances the savory flavors of the filling.
- 1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika imparts a deep, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the sweet bell peppers and savory filling.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper (To Taste): These seasonings are essential for balancing all the flavors and bringing them together.
- 7 Large Bell Peppers (Tops and Cores Removed): The bell peppers serve as the vessel for the filling. Choose peppers that are large and sturdy, making them easier to stuff and cook.
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese: The cheese adds a creamy, melty texture and a bit of sharpness that balances the other flavors.
- Fresh Parsley for Garnish: This adds a touch of color and freshness to the finished dish, elevating its visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps of making these easy stuffed bell peppers. This dish is simple to prepare, and with a few basic techniques, you’ll be enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to ensure that the bell peppers cook through while allowing the filling to become hot and bubbly.
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers
While the oven is heating up, prepare the bell peppers. Cut off the tops of each pepper and remove the cores and seeds. If you’d like the peppers to cook a bit faster and become more tender, you can pre-cook them for 5 minutes in the microwave or a pot of boiling water. For this recipe, I suggest leaving the peppers slightly crisp to maintain their structure during baking.
Arrange the cleaned peppers cut-side up in a baking dish. If you have an oven-safe dish large enough to hold all seven peppers comfortably, that’s ideal. You want to ensure that they are snug but not overcrowded, so the filling can cook evenly.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions. Cook the onions for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant. This step forms the flavor base for the filling, allowing the natural sweetness of the onions to caramelize and meld with the garlic.
4. Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break the meat apart using a wooden spoon and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Be sure to drain any excess fat from the beef to prevent the filling from becoming too greasy.
5. Add the Rice, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. Let it cook for another 4–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to become heated through. The tomato paste helps to thicken the filling and add richness, while the smoked paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
6. Stuff the Peppers
Now it’s time to stuff the peppers! Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper, packing the filling in gently but firmly. Be sure to distribute the filling evenly among the peppers. If you have extra filling, you can serve it on the side or save it for another meal.
7. Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. During this time, the peppers will begin to soften, and the filling will heat through. If you prefer your peppers to be more tender, you can bake them for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
8. Add the Cheese
After the initial baking, remove the peppers from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar jack cheese on top of each one. Return the peppers to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The cheese adds a creamy texture and a delightful layer of flavor to the peppers, making them even more irresistible.
9. Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve these stuffed peppers with a side of steamed vegetables, a light salad, or your favorite grain for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
Stuffed bell peppers are incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to customize this dish to fit your taste preferences. Here are some tips and variations to consider:
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: If you’re not a fan of beef or want a leaner option, try using ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles. These alternatives will provide a similar texture but with different flavor profiles.
- Rice: While brown rice is hearty and nutritious, you can swap it for other grains like quinoa, farro, or couscous. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, cauliflower rice is an excellent substitute that will keep the dish light and low in carbs.
- Cheese: Cheddar jack cheese is a great melting cheese, but you can use other varieties such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Spices: Experiment with different seasonings to suit your preferences. A pinch of chili powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning can add depth and complexity to the filling. For an extra burst of freshness, add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of cilantro.
Preparing in Advance
Stuffed bell peppers are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Simply stuff the peppers and bake them when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze the stuffed peppers before baking them—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, bake the frozen peppers at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers make a complete meal on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. Serve them with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light pasta dish for a well-rounded meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a burst of flavor to each bite.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and nutrition. They’re easy to prepare, highly customizable, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With their tender bell pepper shells, savory beef and rice filling, and melty cheese topping, these stuffed peppers are a meal the whole family will love. Whether you make them for a busy weeknight or for a special family gathering, this dish will always hit the mark.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious, wholesome meal that brings comfort to your kitchen and joy to your table. The flexibility of this recipe makes it an ideal choice for meal planning, and the results are always satisfying. So, grab some bell peppers, gather your ingredients, and start cooking! These easy stuffed bell peppers are sure to become a family favorite in no time.