Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Wholesome and Flavorful Classic
Stuffed Bell Peppers are a vibrant, hearty dish featuring colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and cheese. This classic recipe is easy to customize and perfect for a comforting family dinner or meal prep.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers red, yellow, orange, or green
- 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing peppers
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice white, brown, or quinoa
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or blend
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheese for topping, optional
- optional fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut tops off bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry. Brush outside with olive oil and place in a baking dish, cut side up.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon.
- Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheese.
- Spoon filling into prepared bell peppers, packing gently. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
- Cover baking dish with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use black beans, chickpeas, or lentils instead of meat. Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Peppers can be blanched before stuffing for a softer texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 22IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 14mg
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