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Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers
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Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe featuring vibrant bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings. Quick to prepare and bake, this dish combines bright, hearty flavors and is customizable to your dietary preferences. Perfect as a nutritious, comforting meal that’s great for leftovers and simple enough for cooks of all levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (or mixed dried herbs)

Optional Variations

  • 1 cup black beans or cooked lentils (for vegetarian option)
  • 1–2 jalapeños chopped or ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spicy version)
  • Substitute cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for the rice
  • Additional veggies: ½ cup corn, zucchini, or mushrooms, diced
  • Different cheese like feta, pepper jack, or vegan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove seeds and membranes. Rinse well and set aside to keep fresh while preparing the filling.
  2. Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let it cook down for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
  3. Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing lightly to compact the filling without overflowing. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  4. Bake with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the stuffed peppers. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally cover the peppers with foil and bake for 20 minutes to keep them moist, then remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and peppers are tender.
  5. Serve Warm: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes after baking to help the filling settle, enhancing the flavor and making them easier to serve.

Notes

  • Choose firm and fresh bell peppers for a sturdy container that holds the filling well.
  • Don’t overfill the peppers to avoid overflow during baking.
  • Use fully cooked rice so it blends well with the filling texture.
  • Cover peppers with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking to retain moisture, then uncover for browning the cheese.
  • Resting the baked stuffed peppers a few minutes helps intensify flavors and makes serving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef stuffed peppers, baked peppers, easy dinner, gluten free dinner, healthy stuffed peppers, stuffed vegetables

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/stuffed-bell-peppers/