Craving a hearty, comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare and loved by the whole family? This stuffed bell pepper recipe is a must-try! Featuring tender bell peppers filled with a savory mix of rice, ground beef, vegetables, and seasonings, this classic dish is full of flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a wholesome main course that feels both nostalgic and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted — swap the meat for lentils for a vegan version, or add extra spice for a kick! With its colorful presentation and crowd-pleasing taste, it’s easy to see why this dish remains a popular comfort food across the USA.
⏰ Preparation Time:
15 minutes
🌡️ Cooking Time:
40 minutes
⏱ Total Time:
55 minutes
🍽️ Type:
Main Course
🌍 Cuisine:
American
🥦 Recipe Yield:
4 servings
🌿 Calories:
Approx. 350 calories per serving
🌿 Stuffed Bell Pepper Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or plant-based alternative)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
🌟 How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the peppers: Cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove seeds and membranes. Rinse and set aside.
- Cook the filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, pepper, salt, and paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stuff the peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Press down to pack them well.
- Bake: Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add cheese (optional): Remove foil, sprinkle cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
🌹 Conclusion
This stuffed bell pepper recipe is not only easy and customizable but also a satisfying option for a nutritious, balanced meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a dish that checks all the boxes. Try different fillings, spice levels, or cheese options to make it your own!
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🤔 FAQs About Stuffed Bell Peppers
How to make stuffed bell peppers without meat?
You can easily substitute the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just follow the same cooking instructions.
Can I prepare stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully prepare them up to a day in advance. Store in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve.
How do I keep bell peppers from getting soggy?
Don’t overbake. Also, avoid adding too much liquid to the filling. A quick pre-bake before stuffing can also help them hold their shape.
Can I freeze cooked stuffed bell peppers?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in foil and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
What goes well with stuffed bell peppers?
They pair beautifully with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.