Cheesy and savory, the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is a delightful dish that brings flavor and nutrition to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these stuffed peppers are versatile enough to cater to everyone’s taste preferences. Made with lean ground beef and wholesome brown rice, they are not only delicious but also healthy. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy days.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap out proteins or make it vegetarian, ensuring everyone enjoys it.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from bell peppers and brown rice, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of spices and savory meat creates a delicious filling that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect Meal Prep: These stuffed peppers are great for meal planning; they freeze well and reheat easily.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making the easy stuffed bell peppers, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Pan
- Baking Dish or Rimmed Tray
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Pan: A large pan allows you to sauté the onions and garlic evenly without crowding.
- Baking Dish or Rimmed Tray: This keeps the stuffed peppers upright while baking, ensuring even cooking.
- Wooden Spoon: Great for breaking up meat while cooking, it’s gentle on your cookware.
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 (see notes )
– 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 waiting for the oven, prepare your bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the cores. Place them cut side up in a baking dish or rimmed tray.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add one pound of lean ground beef to the pan.
Cook until no longer pink, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat.
This should take about 5–6 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Stir in cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and paprika.
Allow the mixture to simmer until slightly reduced, about 4–5 minutes.
Taste and add kosher salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture.
Ensure they are filled generously but not overflowing.
Step 6: Bake Until Tender
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes until the peppers are mostly tender.
Step 7: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over each pepper.
Return them to the oven for another 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious easy stuffed bell peppers!
How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are versatile and can be served in various ways. You can create a delightful meal by pairing them with different sides or garnishes.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a burst of freshness.
- Chives – Chopped chives provide a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the flavors.
- Hot Sauce – For those who enjoy a kick, hot sauce can bring heat to each bite.
Serve with a Salad
- Garden Salad – A simple salad of mixed greens pairs well with the hearty peppers.
- Caesar Salad – The crunchiness of romaine and Caesar dressing adds a nice contrast.
Accompany with Bread
- Garlic Bread – Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Crusty Baguette – Slices of baguette can be enjoyed alongside the stuffed peppers.
How to Perfect Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Firm Peppers – Select firm bell peppers for stuffing to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
- Cook Rice Properly – Ensure your brown rice is fluffy and fully cooked before adding it to the beef mixture.
- Season Generously – Don’t skip on seasoning; taste your filling before stuffing to adjust flavors as needed.
- Avoid Overstuffing – Fill the peppers just enough to prevent spilling over while baking.
- Experiment with Proteins – Try using turkey, chicken, or even plant-based proteins for variety.
- Let Them Rest – Allow the stuffed peppers to rest for a few minutes after baking to let flavors meld.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Pairing your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort and richness alongside the peppers.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and nutrition to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad provides added protein and fiber, perfect for balancing the meal.
- Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory stuffed peppers.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn is an easy side that brings sweetness and texture to your meal.
- Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf complements the flavors in the stuffed peppers beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and the final taste of your easy Stuffed Bell Peppers. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using uncooked rice: Make sure to use cooked brown rice as specified. Uncooked rice will not cook properly inside the peppers and can result in a crunchy texture.
- Overstuffing the peppers: While it may be tempting to pack in more filling, overstuffing can cause the peppers to burst during cooking. Fill them generously but leave some space at the top.
- Skipping seasoning: Always taste your mixture before stuffing. Not adding enough salt or spices can lead to bland stuffed peppers. Season well to ensure flavor throughout.
- Not preheating the oven: Starting with a preheated oven is crucial for even cooking. If you skip this step, your stuffed peppers may not cook thoroughly or evenly.
- Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can make the peppers mushy. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Containers: Use airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent odors from mixing.
Freezing Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Duration: Freeze cooked stuffed peppers for up to 3 months.
- Containers: Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot, checking halfway through.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a little water, cover, and heat on low until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some variations for the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?
You can customize this recipe by using different proteins like turkey or chicken, or make it vegetarian with beans and quinoa. Feel free to mix in other vegetables too!
Can I use different types of bell peppers?
Yes, you can use any color of bell pepper! Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers will add sweetness and color variation.
How do I know when my stuffed peppers are done?
Your easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are done when they are tender but still hold their shape. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Can I prepare these easy stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge before baking.
Final Thoughts
These easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only delicious but also versatile! You can adjust ingredients based on what you have at home or cater to specific dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family meal or meal prep options, this recipe delivers satisfaction every time. Give it a try and enjoy customizing each pepper!
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Indulge in our Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe, a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and savory flavors that will elevate your weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. These stuffed peppers are easy to customize, making them perfect for all taste preferences. Filled with lean ground beef, wholesome brown rice, and a medley of spices, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Enjoy the vibrant colors of bell peppers while savoring each bite of their hearty filling. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, these stuffed bell peppers are sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 7 people
- 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)
- 7 large bell peppers (tops and cores removed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large pan over medium heat, sauté diced onion in olive oil until softened; add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add ground beef; cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon (about 5–6 minutes).
- Stir in cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, and spices; allow to simmer for 4–5 minutes.
- Generously stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture and place them upright in a baking dish.
- Bake for about 10–12 minutes until peppers are tender.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and return to the oven for another 5–7 minutes until melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
