Hearty and Delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Perfect Family Meal

When it comes to comforting, wholesome meals that are both satisfying and versatile, Stuffed Bell Peppers take center stage. Bursting with flavor and packed with a hearty mixture of seasoned ground meat, rice, and melty cheese, these peppers make for the perfect dinner that’s easy to prepare and a favorite for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious weeknight meal or something special to serve to guests, stuffed bell peppers offer a beautiful presentation and rich flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re customizable to fit any dietary preference!

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Bell Peppers

  1. A Balanced Meal in One: Stuffed bell peppers provide protein, healthy grains, and vegetables all in one convenient package. Each pepper is packed with flavorful ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied without the need for multiple side dishes.

  2. Customizable and Versatile: This recipe is perfect for adapting to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you prefer ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian option like lentils or quinoa, the possibilities for filling your peppers are endless. You can also experiment with different grains and cheeses to keep things fresh and exciting.

  3. Perfect for Meal Prep: Stuffed bell peppers can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making them a great choice for meal prepping. They also freeze beautifully, so you can prepare a big batch and enjoy them later in the week.

  4. Beautiful Presentation: Not only do stuffed bell peppers taste amazing, but they also look impressive when served. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers create a stunning dish that’s perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in.

How to Make the Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers

  1. Prepare the Peppers: Start by hollowing out fresh bell peppers and prepping them for stuffing. The peppers act as the perfect vessel for all the savory ingredients inside.

  2. Cook the Filling: Brown the ground beef or turkey with sautéed onions, garlic, and seasonings. Mix in cooked rice and diced tomatoes for a flavorful and hearty filling. For a vegetarian option, swap the meat for lentils or a mix of sautéed veggies like zucchini and mushrooms.

  3. Stuff and Bake: Fill each bell pepper generously with the prepared filling, top with shredded cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

  4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your stuffed bell peppers hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Pair them with a simple salad or enjoy them on their own as a complete meal.

 

Stuffed bell peppers are the perfect combination of delicious, nutritious, and visually appealing. Whether you’re making them for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its flavor and versatility. So, grab some fresh bell peppers and start stuffing!

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef or turkey

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (14.5 oz or 411g) diced tomatoes, drained

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, divided

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Bell Peppers:

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, slice a thin layer off the bottom so they stand upright.

    • Place the peppers in a baking dish with about 1/4 inch of water to prevent them from drying out. Set aside.

  2. Cook the Filling:

    • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

    • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

    • Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

    • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.

    • Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.

  3. Stuff the Peppers:

    • Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper, filling them to the top.

    • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over each stuffed pepper.

  4. Bake:

    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  5. Serve:

    • Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

    • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

    • Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips:

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with a mixture of diced vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant, or use lentils or black beans for added protein.

  • Grain Alternatives: Swap out the rice for quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a different texture and flavor.

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed peppers up to the baking step and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

  • Additional Flavor: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the filling for extra depth of flavor.

This Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. The combination of savory meat, rice, and melted cheese inside tender bell peppers makes for a satisfying and delicious meal. Enjoy!