Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how much joy stuffed peppers bring to my kitchen! There’s something so comforting about seeing those vibrant bell peppers filled to the brim with a savory mixture of rice, ground meat, and a medley of spices. This dish has been a family favorite for years, and it’s such a delightful way to sneak in those veggies! I love how easy it is to customize, so everyone can enjoy their own version. Trust me, when you pull these beauties out of the oven, the aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table, ready to dig in!
Ingredients List
To create these delicious stuffed peppers, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 bell peppers (any color you love!)
- 1 cup cooked rice (I often use leftover rice for convenience)
- 1 pound ground beef (but feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 ounces, juices included)
- 1 onion, chopped (it adds great flavor!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (for a little kick)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (it brings warmth to the dish)
- Salt to taste (don’t forget to season!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to whip up a batch of these scrumptious stuffed peppers!
How to Prepare Stuffed Peppers
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these stuffed peppers! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each step, and it’s easier than you might think!
Prepping the Peppers
First things first, you’ll want to prep your bell peppers. Carefully cut the tops off each pepper and scoop out the seeds and membranes. I like to use a small knife or a spoon for this—just make sure you don’t cut through the sides. You want them to hold all that delicious filling!
Cooking the Filling
Next up, let’s get that savory filling going! In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, add in your ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once that’s done, stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices!), chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes, so those flavors meld beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s all heated through and smells irresistible!
Assembling the Dish
Now comes the fun part—filling those peppers! Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each pepper until they’re generously packed. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. This helps the peppers soften while the filling cooks.
Finishing Touches
After 25 minutes, it’s time for the finishing touch! Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of each pepper. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Wow, your kitchen is going to smell amazing right about now!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed filling that’s customizable to your taste.
- A great way to sneak in veggies—kids love them!
- One-dish meal makes for easy cleanup.
- Healthy and satisfying, with lean protein and wholesome ingredients.
- Freeze leftovers for a convenient meal later on.
- Beautiful presentation—these stuffed peppers are a feast for the eyes!
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again!
Tips for Success
To make your stuffed peppers truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to mix up the protein—ground turkey or even lentils work great if you want a meatless option. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and flavor. Also, for a little extra zing, try adding some hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the mixture.
When it comes to cheese, feel free to experiment! Feta or pepper jack can add a unique twist. And remember, the longer you let the stuffed peppers sit after baking, the more those delicious flavors meld together. Enjoy the process, and have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a fresh salad or some crusty garlic bread takes the meal to the next level! A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice crunch, while a side of roasted veggies makes for a colorful plate. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition you’ll find in each stuffed pepper:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the ingredients you choose. Enjoy your healthy meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about stuffed peppers? I’m here to help!
Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’d like to mix things up, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully! You can even use quinoa or lentils for a vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready for round two!
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, stuffed peppers freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly and pop them in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What sides go well with stuffed peppers?
Alongside a fresh salad or some roasted veggies is a match made in heaven! You can also serve them with a side of crusty bread or rice to soak up those delicious flavors.
Print
Stuffed Peppers: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Stuffed peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
- In a skillet, cook the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
- Fill each pepper with the meat mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any color bell pepper.
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey if desired.
- Can add additional vegetables to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: stuffed peppers, bell peppers, healthy dinner
