Stuffed Peppers Recipe
This Stuffed Peppers Recipe is a vibrant and hearty classic that brings together colorful bell peppers, a savory meat and rice filling, and melted cheese into a satisfying meal the whole family will crave. It’s one of those go-to comfort dishes that always feels a little bit special, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends. Each bite delivers a wonderful harmony of flavors, with the sweetness of the roasted peppers, the richness of the filling, and a hint of Italian herbs tying it all together. If you love recipes that look as impressive as they taste, you’re truly in for a treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Stuffed Peppers Recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal. Every component in the list adds something unique, whether it’s texture, color, or a burst of flavor, making the final dish balanced and satisfying.
- Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant peppers—red, yellow, orange, or green—for a sweet flavor and pretty presentation.
- Olive Oil: Brushing the peppers with oil keeps their skins supple and helps them roast up beautifully.
- Ground Beef or Turkey: This forms the hearty base of your filling, and you can easily swap for your favorite ground meat.
- Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and depth once sautéed, anchoring the filling’s savory flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a subtle aromatic punch—don’t skip it if you love rich flavor!
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together with an unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, ensuring your dish is anything but bland.
- Cooked Rice: The rice soaks in all the flavors and helps keep the filling tender and cohesive.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: These provide juicy bits throughout the filling, adding brightness and moisture.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese: Cheese brings creamy meltiness both inside and gooey on top.
- Tomato Sauce or Marinara: A final spoonful adds a saucy, tangy finish that keeps the peppers luscious.
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end brings color and a fresh, earthy note.
How to Make Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice off the tops of your bell peppers and gently scoop out the seeds and white membranes. This hollow creates the perfect cup to hold your flavorful filling. Lightly brush the outsides with olive oil, which helps them roast to soft, tender perfection. Arrange them upright in a baking dish, ready for stuffing.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble in your ground beef or turkey. Cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with your spoon. Now toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them soften for 3-4 minutes. The onions will turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 3: Build the Filling
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to season every bite of the filling. Stir in the cooked rice and drained diced tomatoes. Fold in half of the shredded cheese, combining everything until the mixture is evenly blended. The cheese will start to melt into the warm filling, binding it together.
Step 4: Stuff and Top
Using a spoon, pile the hearty filling evenly into each of the prepared bell peppers. Pack it in gently so every pepper is brimming full. Drizzle a little tomato sauce or marinara over the top of each and then scatter on the rest of your shredded cheese. This is where the magic happens—the cheese will bubble and brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. The peppers should be fork-tender and the cheese on top golden and bubbling. The aroma is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take your masterpiece out and let it cool for a couple minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the tops for a fresh pop of green (and flavor!). Serve warm so every bite is melty, hearty, and absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must, as it not only brightens the plate, but also adds a slightly peppery note that complements the rich filling. If you want to dress things up, a dusting of grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or some finely chopped basil also works wonders. These finishing touches transform your Stuffed Peppers Recipe from comforting classic to dinner-party worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. I love serving it with a simple arugula or spinach salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette—the freshness balances out the cheesy richness. For a cozy meal, try it with a side of mashed potatoes or a bowl of soup to start.
Creative Ways to Present
There’s something so fun about presenting the Stuffed Peppers Recipe in different styles. You can use a mixture of red, yellow, and orange peppers for a rainbow effect on the table. For a buffet or party, try halving the peppers lengthwise and making “boats”—they’re easier to pick up and portion. Arrange on a large platter and sprinkle extra herbs for a colorful, inviting spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed peppers keep really well, making them ideal for meal prepping or easy lunches. Let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together even more as they rest, making leftovers absolutely delicious.
Freezing
The Stuffed Peppers Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each cooked (or unbaked) stuffed pepper tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat—no need to worry about soggy peppers.
Reheating
To reheat, place the peppers in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). For a quick meal, microwave individual peppers for 2-3 minutes until piping hot. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before reheating for that fresh, melty finish.
FAQs
Can I use different types of ground meat in the Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef and turkey are classic, you can easily swap in ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based substitute if you prefer. Each offers its own unique flavor and texture—just make sure it’s cooked through before stuffing the peppers.
How do I keep the peppers from becoming too soft or mushy?
The key is not to overbake. Bake just until the peppers are fork-tender but still hold their shape, usually around 40-45 minutes total. Also, brushing them with olive oil before baking helps maintain their texture and keeps the skins from drying out.
What are the best cheese options for the Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
Mozzarella gives you that classic stretchy melt, while cheddar adds a sharper punch. Don’t be afraid to experiment—try Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a kick, or even a bit of crumbled feta sprinkled on top for a Mediterranean twist.
Can I make this Stuffed Peppers Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers up to a day in advance. Cover them in the baking dish and store in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving. You can also freeze them uncooked and bake straight from the freezer, adding a little extra time.
Are there low-carb or vegetarian options for this recipe?
Definitely. Substitute the cooked rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb version. For vegetarian stuffed peppers, simply use lentils, beans, or a meat substitute in place of the ground meat—the filling will still be flavor-packed and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making a Stuffed Peppers Recipe at home, now is truly the time to give it a go! It’s a simple yet showstopping meal that’s endlessly customizable, perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests. Dig in, and let this colorful comfort classic become a new favorite around your table!
Print
Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These stuffed peppers are a delicious and satisfying meal option that combines flavorful ground meat with rice, tomatoes, and cheese, all baked inside tender bell peppers until perfectly cooked and topped with gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
Bell Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
Meat Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or marinara
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and brush with olive oil.
- Cook Meat: In a skillet, cook ground meat until browned. Add onion, garlic, and sauté. Stir in seasoning, salt, pepper, rice, tomatoes, and half of the cheese.
- Fill Peppers: Spoon filling into each pepper. Top with tomato sauce and remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove foil and bake for additional 10–15 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be used as a low-carb substitute.
- Stuffed peppers freeze well; wrap tightly before baking and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
