introduction
Stuffed Peppers are a warm, simple meal you can make any night. They fill bell peppers with a tasty meat and rice mix and bake until tender. For a similar idea with beef and rice you can learn more at beef and rice stuffed peppers.
why make this recipe
This recipe is easy, budget friendly, and fills the family. You can change the meat or spices to match what you like. It cooks in one dish and tastes good the next day.
how to make Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients :
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a skillet, cook the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the ground beef or turkey and brown until fully cooked.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle cheese on top.
- Pour a little water into the bottom of the dish to keep the peppers moist.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
how to serve Stuffed Peppers
Serve hot right from the oven. Add a simple salad or steamed vegetables on the side. A spoon can catch any juices from the baking dish.
how to store Stuffed Peppers
Cool the peppers to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Stuffed Peppers
- Use slightly undercooked rice so it does not get too soft in the oven.
- Brown the meat well for more flavor.
- Keep a little water in the dish so peppers stay moist.
- Add cheese only at the end so it melts but does not overbake.
- Taste the filling and adjust salt and pepper before stuffing.
variation (if any)
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of vegetables for a meatless version.
- Add cooked quinoa instead of rice for a different texture.
- Mix in corn, black beans, or chopped mushrooms for more veggies.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar on top.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen peppers?
A: Fresh peppers work best. If you use frozen, thaw and drain them well before stuffing.
Q: Do I need to precook the rice?
A: Yes. Use cooked rice so the filling cooks evenly and the rice is soft.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the peppers, cover, and keep in the fridge. Bake when you are ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
Q: How do I know peppers are done?
A: Peppers are done when they are tender and the filling is hot inside. The top may brown lightly.
Q: Can I use a different seasoning?
A: Yes. Use taco seasoning, curry powder, or your favorite spice mix to change the flavor.
Stuffed Peppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Delicious bell peppers filled with a savory meat and rice mixture, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Cook the chopped onion in a skillet until translucent.
- Add the ground beef or turkey and brown until fully cooked.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheese on top if desired.
- Pour a little water into the bottom of the dish to keep the peppers moist.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
Notes
Use slightly undercooked rice to avoid overly soft filling. Taste the filling before stuffing and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg