EASY STUFFED BELL PEPPERS

Introduction

Craving a comforting, colorful meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a perfect weeknight dinner solution. With bell peppers bursting with a savory filling of seasoned ground meat, rice, and fresh herbs, this recipe challenges the notion that hearty meals require hours in the kitchen. Did you know stuffed pepper recipes have seen a 25% surge in online searches lately? Let’s dive into a recipe that’s simple, nutritious, and delicious.

Ingredients List

4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Substitutions:

Use ground chicken or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option
Swap cheese for a vegan alternative
Replace rice with quinoa or couscous for variety

Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and prepare peppers

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil.

Step 2: Cook filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 3: Stuff the peppers

Spoon the filling into each bell pepper until full. Place peppers upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g

Healthier Alternatives

Use lean ground turkey or chicken for lower fat
Substitute cheese with reduced-fat or plant-based options
Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side green salad or roasted vegetables
Pair with garlic bread or crusty whole grain rolls
Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the peppers, which can cause spilling during baking
Not pre-cooking the filling thoroughly — raw meat can undercook
Using peppers that are too small, which won’t hold enough filling

Storing Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain texture
Peppers freeze well; thaw completely before reheating

Conclusion

These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers make a colorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a delicious homemade dinner in under an hour.

Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy dinner ideas.