Cheesy and savory, the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is a delightful dish that can suit any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep for the week. These stuffed peppers are filled with flavorful ground beef and fluffy brown rice, making them both nourishing and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can easily substitute the meat with turkey, chicken, or even opt for vegetarian ingredients. Enjoy a healthy meal packed with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile Filling Options: Customize the stuffing with your choice of meat or make it vegetarian for a lighter meal.
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready to bake in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and vibrant colors of these bell peppers.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for planning ahead—make a batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and veggies, these stuffed peppers are a nutritious choice.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish or rimmed tray
- Large pan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish or rimmed tray: Essential for holding the stuffed peppers upright while they bake evenly.
- Large pan: A must for sautéing vegetables and cooking the filling thoroughly.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for breaking up ground beef without damaging 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. Place the 7 large bell peppers cut side up into a baking dish or a rimmed tray.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Sauté the diced medium onion until it softens.
Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for about one minute more.
Step 3: Cook Ground Beef
Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pan.
Cook until no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon for about 5–6 minutes.
Stir in cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and paprika.
Step 4: Simmer the Mixture
Cook until the sauce slightly reduces, about 4–5 minutes.
Taste and season with kosher salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture.
Bake until the peppers are mostly tender, about 10–12 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over each pepper.
Bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Serving easy stuffed bell peppers can be a delightful experience. These colorful peppers not only look appetizing but also offer a range of flavors that pair well with various side dishes and garnishes.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- A crisp green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the savory stuffed peppers. Consider using mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Enhance the flavor by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top just before serving. This adds brightness and freshness to every bite.
Offer Hot Sauce on the Side
- For those who enjoy a kick, provide hot sauce as an option. A few drops can elevate the dish’s flavor profile significantly.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from the stuffed peppers. It’s a satisfying addition to your meal.
Accompany with Rice or Quinoa
- Serving some extra cooked rice or quinoa on the side can round out the meal. These grains complement the stuffed peppers nicely and add more texture.
Present in Individual Portions
- For a more elegant presentation, serve each stuffed pepper on its own plate. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy their portion without needing to share.
How to Perfect Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
To ensure your easy stuffed bell peppers come out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Bell Peppers: Select firm and vibrant bell peppers for the best flavor and texture. Avoid any that show signs of wrinkling or soft spots.
- Cook Rice Ahead of Time: Have your brown rice fully cooked before starting the stuffing process. This saves time and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your filling before stuffing the peppers; adjust salt and spices as necessary to suit your preferences.
- Don’t Overstuff: Leave a little space at the top when stuffing each pepper. This allows them to cook evenly without spilling over.
- Cover While Baking: Covering the baking dish with foil during part of the cooking process helps steam the peppers, making them tender faster.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand! Try adding beans for extra protein or different cheeses for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your easy stuffed bell peppers enhances the meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements nearly any dish, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into any juices from your peppers.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw provides a nice contrast and balances out the softness of the stuffed bell peppers.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add nutrition and color to your plate while being easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs well with savory stuffed peppers and brings a delightful sweetness that kids love.
- Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with veggies can be refreshing and offers additional texture to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying side that everyone enjoys.
- Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites and adds a touch of sweetness after a savory meal.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil is both nutritious and elegantly complements your main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Many forget to season the beef mixture adequately. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper for the best flavor.
- Overstuffing the peppers: While it may be tempting to fill each pepper to the brim, overstuffing can lead to spills and uneven cooking. Fill them snugly but not excessively.
- Not pre-cooking ingredients: If you don’t sauté the onions and garlic first, their flavors won’t develop fully. Always cook these until soft before adding meat.
- Ignoring cooking times: Each oven is different; keep an eye on your peppers as they bake. Overcooking can make them mushy, while undercooking leaves them too firm.
- Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold meat or rice can extend cooking time. Allow your ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing them together.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Keep in the fridge only after fully cooled.
Freezing Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for reference.
Reheating Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 2-3 minutes until warmed through, checking halfway.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water in a pan, cover, and cook on medium until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe, you’re not alone. Here are some common queries answered.
Can I use other proteins in this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute lean ground beef with turkey, chicken, sausage, or even vegetarian options like lentils or quinoa.
How do I ensure my bell peppers are tender?
To achieve tender bell peppers, bake them until they are mostly cooked before adding cheese. This will help soften them without becoming mushy.
Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What sides go well with stuffed bell peppers?
These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can customize it by using different meats or adding vegetables based on what you have at home. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep option, these stuffed peppers are sure to satisfy!
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. These vibrant bell peppers are packed with a savory filling of lean ground beef, fluffy brown rice, and aromatic spices, all topped with melted cheese. This versatile recipe allows you to customize the filling with your choice of protein or even make it vegetarian. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this family-friendly meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Enjoy a nutritious and satisfying dish that will please everyone at the table!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 7
- Category: Dinners
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 7 large bell peppers (tops removed and cored)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
- Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish by placing the halved bell peppers cut side up.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat; sauté onions until softened, then add minced garlic.
- Stir in ground beef, cooking until browned; incorporate brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes; then stuff each pepper with the mixture.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until peppers are tender; add cheese on top and bake for another 5–7 minutes until melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper (about 290g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
