Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal that pleases everyone at the table, then this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is just what you need! These vibrant peppers are filled with savory ground beef, perfectly cooked brown rice, and a blend of flavorful spices. What makes this dish even more special is how versatile it is—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. You can whip them up when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Believe me, once you try these stuffed bell peppers, they’ll become a staple in your meal rotation. They’re not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making them a healthy choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these tasty stuffed peppers ready to bake!
• Family-friendly: Kids love the fun colors and flavors, making dinner time enjoyable for everyone.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare them in advance and have a wholesome meal ready to go when you need it.
• Flavorful filling: The combination of beef, rice, and spices creates an irresistible taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!
• Customizable options: Feel free to adapt the stuffing to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s look at the simple and wholesome ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. You probably have most of them already in your pantry!

• 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)

Variations

What I love about this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is its flexibility. You can easily switch things up based on what you have or your dietary needs!

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute to cater to different tastes.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach or zucchini into the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
• Change the cheese: If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try using mozzarella or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle some chili flakes into the beef mixture if you’re craving a bit of heat.

How to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step is crucial because we want those stuffed peppers to bake evenly and become tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers

Place your seven large bell peppers cut side up into a baking dish or rimmed tray. This will be their cozy home while they bake!

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan over medium heat, heat up two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Sauté one diced medium onion until it softens—this brings out its natural sweetness! Then stir in two to three minced garlic cloves for that aromatic burst.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Next, add one pound of lean ground beef to the pan. Cook until it’s no longer pink while breaking it up with a wooden spoon—this ensures that every bite has juicy meatiness!

Step 5: Mix in Rice and Spices

Once the beef is cooked, stir in one and a half cups of cooked brown rice along with fourteen and a half ounces of diced tomatoes, one tablespoon of tomato paste, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and two teaspoons of paprika. Let everything cook together until slightly reduced—it helps meld those beautiful flavors!

Step 6: Season It Right

Taste your mixture and season with kosher salt and pepper as needed. This step is important—it’s all about balancing those flavors just right!

Step 7: Stuff Those Peppers

Now comes the fun part! Carefully stuff each pepper with your delicious beef mixture. Place them back into the baking dish lovingly.

Step 8: Bake Until Tender

Bake those beauties until they are mostly tender—about ten to twelve minutes should do it. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 9: Add Cheese Heaven

Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over each pepper. Return them to the oven for an additional five to seven minutes until bubbly.

Step 10: Garnish & Serve

Finally, take them out and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Making stuffed bell peppers is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can elevate your dish to perfection!

• Choose colorful peppers: Using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavors with their varying sweetness levels.

• Pre-cook the rice: If you want to save time, use leftover rice or pre-cook your brown rice. This ensures that your stuffed peppers are ready in no time and helps avoid undercooked rice.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Don’t be shy about tasting your filling before stuffing the peppers. Adjusting the seasoning as needed will ensure each bite is bursting with flavor.

• Cover while baking: To keep the peppers moist, consider covering them with foil during the first half of baking. This prevents them from drying out and helps them cook evenly.

• Make ahead for convenience: Prepare your stuffed peppers in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply pop them in the oven for an easy weeknight dinner!

How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Presenting your easy stuffed bell peppers can turn a simple meal into something special! Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that elevates the presentation.
• Sour cream alternative: A dollop of dairy-free sour cream provides a creamy contrast that balances the savory flavors.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado not only enhances texture but also adds healthy fats to your meal.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing complements the stuffed peppers beautifully, adding crunch and freshness.

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli provides necessary nutrients and pairs well with the flavors of the stuffed peppers. Its mild taste won’t overpower the main dish.

• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, bell peppers, and lemon dressing brings extra protein and texture to your meal while keeping it light.

• Garlic Bread: For those who love carbs, serving garlic bread on the side offers a delicious way to soak up any leftover juices from the stuffed peppers.

Enjoy creating this delightful meal that brings comfort and nourishment to your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them in advance and have a delicious, healthy meal ready for busy days. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your stuffed peppers:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the cooked stuffed peppers cool down before freezing.
• Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffed peppers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can remove the foil during the last few minutes if you want to melt extra cheese on top!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that may help you out!

Can I use other types of meat for the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute lean ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even sausage. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or black beans instead.

How do I make my Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe spicier?

To add some heat to your stuffed peppers, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Can I prepare the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can stuff the bell peppers and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to follow storage guidelines mentioned above.

What can I serve with my Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?

These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a simple salad or some crusty bread. You can also serve them with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe as much as I do! It’s such a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you’re planning for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, these stuffed peppers are sure to please everyone. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experiences with me!