Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Stuffed bell peppers are a delightful dish that gets people excited about dinner. They are colorful, tasty, and very filling. Each pepper is packed with a mix of flavors that come together beautifully. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a special family meal, this recipe is a perfect choice. Not only is it delicious, but it is also fun to make. Let’s explore why this dish is a must-try and how you can easily prepare it.
Why Make This Recipe
Stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic meal option for several reasons. First, they are healthy. Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, which help improve your immune system. The ground beef provides protein, while brown rice adds fiber and helps keep you full.
Second, this dish is simple and quick to prepare. You can whip it up after a long day at work. It takes about an hour from start to finish. Plus, it is a one-pan meal. This means fewer dishes to wash after dinner!
These stuffed peppers are also versatile. You can customize the filling to suit your taste. Whether you want to include vegetables, rice, or beans, the options are endless.
Finally, stuffed bell peppers look beautiful on your table. Their vibrant colors make any dinner more inviting. They are also easy to serve and portion, making them great for gatherings or family meals.
How to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Making stuffed bell peppers is a straightforward process. Below you will find detailed steps to help you create this colorful and nutritious dish.
Ingredients
To make delicious stuffed bell peppers, you will need the following 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 Cups 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)
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your peppers bake evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare the Peppers: While the oven heats up, take the 7 large bell peppers and cut the tops off. Remove the seeds and the core. Place the peppers cut side up in a baking dish or a rimmed tray. Make sure to arrange them nicely.
Cook the Onion and Garlic: In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Then, stir in 2-3 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 1 minute more.
Brown the Beef: Add lean ground beef to the pan. Cook the beef until it is no longer pink. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Once the beef is fully cooked, add cooked brown rice, the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and paprika. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors. Let it cook until the sauce reduces slightly, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Taste the mixture and season with kosher salt and pepper as needed.
Stuff the Peppers: Carefully spoon the beef mixture into each bell pepper. Fill them generously but make sure they are not overflowing.
Bake the Peppers: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the stuffed peppers for about 10-12 minutes. You want the peppers to become tender but not mushy.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the peppers with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a touch of color and freshness. Now you are ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are fantastic on their own, but you can pair them with various sides. Consider serving with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. When hosting a dinner, they can be the star of the table. To serve, place one stuffed pepper on each plate. Drizzle a bit of olive oil or balsamic glaze on top if you like.
For a family gathering, set the stuffed peppers in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves. Don’t forget to provide extra cheese or salsa on the side for those who like an extra kick.
How to Store Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
If you have leftovers, you can store them easily. Place any remaining stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them, though the oven method will keep the peppers from getting too soft.
For longer storage, consider freezing your stuffed bell peppers. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Tips to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Choose the Right Peppers: Try to find peppers that are firm and vibrant in color. Additionally, different colored bell peppers (red, yellow, green, and orange) provide different flavors and nutrients.
Cook the Rice Ahead: To save time, cook the brown rice in advance. You can also use leftover rice or even quinoa for a different texture.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices and herbs based on your preference. Add cumin for a Southwestern twist or Italian seasoning for a more Mediterranean flavor.
Cheese Options: While cheddar jack cheese adds a delicious flavor, feel free to try different kinds like mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for added spice.
Vegetarian Version: To make this a vegetarian dish, replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils. Add in some chopped vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the filling.
Variations
The great thing about stuffed bell peppers is their versatility. If you like, you can change the meat. Ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner option. You can even go meatless and use plant-based meat alternatives.
Adding spices like extra chili powder can give your dish a spicy kick. If you want to make it more filling, feel free to add more veggies to the meat mixture, such as spinach or corn.
FAQs
Can I make stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pepper filling a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and stuff the peppers when you are ready to bake.
Can I use different types of grains?
Absolutely! You can use any cooked grain you like. Quinoa, couscous, or even wild rice can be great alternatives.
What can I do with leftover stuffed peppers?
You can slice them up and add them to a salad, mix them into a soup, or simply reheat them as they are. They make for a quick and nutritious lunch.
This easy stuffed bell peppers recipe is delicious and versatile. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a well-rounded meal that pleases both the eyes and the taste buds. Enjoy cooking, and have fun with this recipe!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove the seeds and core, and place them cut side up in a baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
- Mix in brown rice, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and paprika, stirring well to combine. Cook until the sauce reduces slightly, around 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the beef mixture into each bell pepper, filling them generously.
- Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until tender.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheddar jack cheese; return to oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Garnish the peppers with chopped parsley before serving.