Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a colorful tray of stuffed bell peppers bubbling away in the oven, and trust me, this cheesy, savory, comfort-food masterpiece is about to become your dinner go-to.

The vibrant colors and irresistible aroma of stuffed bell peppers make me love this dish. With rich and hearty ground beef or turkey, puffy rice, and the delightful tang of diced tomatoes, each pepper is a meal packed with all kinds of good-for-you nutrients.

I think the melting mozzarella cheese and warm Italian seasonings make this a healthier version of the classic not-so-comforting comfort food.

Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Ingredients

• Bell Peppers: Low-calorie, high in vitamins A and C, adds sweetness.
• Ground Beef or Turkey: High in protein, provides savory flavor, hearty texture.
• Cooked Rice: Carbohydrate-rich, adds texture, and makes the dish filling.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness, rich in antioxidants.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory properties.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity, rich in vitamin C and potassium.
• Shredded Mozzarella: Protein and calcium-rich, adds creamy texture.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, enhances flavor, supports nutrient absorption.

Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

How to Make this Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.

2. Trim the bell peppers. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes. Put the peppers in a baking dish.

3. In a substantial frying pan, warm the olive oil at medium temperature. Toss in the diced onion and the garlic, and stir until the mixture is a uniform sautéed state and the onion has reached translucence.

4. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as you cook it until it’s browned. Drain it if it seems like there’s too much fat.

5. Combine the cooked rice, canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper with the meat mixture, stirring to blend. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Take the skillet away from the heat and thoroughly mix in 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and the finely chopped fresh parsley.

7. Fill the meat and rice mixture into each bell pepper. Because the mixture will be quite thick, you will need to press it into the pepper gently but firmly. }

8. Evenly distribute the tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers in the baking dish.

9. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to bake for 30 minutes.

10. Take off the foil, and then add the leftover mozzarella to the top of the peppers. Put the whole assembly back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes.

You’re looking for the peppers to be tender and the cheese to be melted and bubbly. Enjoy the dish hot!

Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Frying pan or skillet
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cup
9. Can opener
10. Aluminum foil

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of meat?You can substitute ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative for the ground beef or turkey.
• What is the best way to prepare the peppers before stuffing?Cut the tops off, remove the seeds and membranes, and soften the peppers by blanching them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
• How can I make this dish vegetarian?Choose a protein source such as lentils or beans, which are plant-based, in place of meat. Make sure that the rest of the ingredients are friendly to vegetarians.
• Can I make this recipe in advance?Indeed, the stuffed peppers can be made a day before you wish to serve them.
  You refrigerate them, and then bake when you wish to present them.
  Prep time for one casserole is about half an hour.
• How long do leftovers last?Stuffed peppers that are left over can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days in a very tight container.
• Can I freeze stuffed peppers?Certainly! You can preserve them in an airtight container before or after you’ve baked them. Place them in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, remove the desired number from the freezer, and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and warm the thawed baked goods for 10 to 15 minutes, covered loosely with aluminum foil.
• Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white rice?Undoubtedly, brown rice is a nutritious replacement; however, ensure that it is completely prepared before amalgamating it with the remaining stuffing elements.

Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vegetarian option: Replace ground beef or turkey with either ground chicken, pork, or a plant-based substitute that has the same texture as ground meat.
Prepared rice: For a unique taste and consistency, substitute quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice.
Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a dairy-free cheese alternative can be used in place of mozzarella.
Canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil may be used in place of olive oil.
Diced tomatoes in a can: Substitute with fresh diced tomatoes or use a can of fire-roasted tomatoes for a more flavorful dish.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure Consistent Pepper Cooking Parboil the bell peppers for a few minutes before stuffing them. This will help ensure they are completely tender after baking.

2. Enhance Flavor with Browning After cooking the meat, take extra time to allow it to brown slightly in the skillet. Browning adds a depth of flavor and a more complex taste to the filling.

3. Boost the Aromatic Base Add other aromatic vegetables like chopped celery or carrots when sautéing the onions and garlic. This can add more layers of flavor to the filling.

4. Cheese Variation for Extra Flavor Mix in a small amount of Parmesan cheese with the mozzarella to enhance the overall flavor profile and add a touch of nuttiness and sharpness.

5. Prevent Soggy Bottoms Before filling, sprinkle a little salt inside the peppers and let them sit upside down on a paper towel for a few minutes. This will draw out excess moisture and help prevent them from becoming soggy during baking.