Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal that brings the family together, this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is just what you need! These vibrant peppers filled with flavorful ground beef and fluffy brown rice are not only tasty but also visually appealing. They make a perfect dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings, where everyone can enjoy a healthy and hearty meal. Plus, they are incredibly versatile, so you can customize them to suit your tastes!

Imagine coming home after a long day and knowing dinner is ready in about 40 minutes. With this recipe, you can fill your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of savory goodness while creating memories around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy evenings!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these colorful stuffed peppers; it’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer beef, turkey, or even vegetarian versions, this recipe allows for tons of variations.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffing in advance and assemble right before baking for effortless meal planning.
• Delicious leftovers: These stuffed peppers taste even better the next day, making them great for lunch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that bring this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe to life! You might already have many of these staples in your pantry, which makes it even easier to whip up this delicious dish.

For the Filling

• 2 Tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 Medium Onion (diced)
• 2-3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
• 1½ Cup Cooked Brown Rice
• 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (one can)
• 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 2 teaspoons Paprika (see notes)
• Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Peppers

• 7 Large Bell Peppers (top and core removed)
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you want to mix things up or cater to specific dietary needs, here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Go vegetarian: Replace meat with black beans or lentils for a hearty veggie-filled version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped zucchini or mushrooms into the filling for extra nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist on flavors.

How to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F. While that heats up, carefully slice the tops off your bell peppers and remove their cores. This gives you perfect little boats ready to be filled with that delicious stuffing! Placing them cut side up in a baking dish makes them easy to fill later on.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

In a large pan over medium heat, warm the extra-virgin olive oil. Add in your diced onion and sauté until it softens—about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial because it brings out the natural sweetness of the onions. Then add in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Meat Mixture

Next, add your lean ground beef to the pan. Cook it until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks—this should take about 5-6 minutes. Once browned, stir in cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and paprika. Let everything cook together for about 4-5 minutes until slightly reduced; then season with kosher salt and pepper.

Step 4: Stuff Those Peppers

Now it’s time for the fun part! Carefully spoon generous amounts of your flavorful beef mixture into each bell pepper until they are packed full. Don’t be shy—these peppers love being stuffed!

Step 5: Bake Until Tender

Place your stuffed peppers in the oven and bake them until they are mostly tender—this should take about 10-12 minutes. The colors will brighten up as they cook!

Step 6: Cheese It Up!

Afterward, sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over each stuffed pepper. Return them to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until melty and bubbly on top! Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that lovely pop of color.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers! They’re sure to become a family favorite around your table too!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Making stuffed bell peppers is not only easy but can also be a fun way to experiment in the kitchen! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose colorful bell peppers: Using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds a variety of flavors.

• Pre-cook your rice: Ensure that your brown rice is fluffy and fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients. This prevents the peppers from being undercooked or too mushy.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Depending on your preference, feel free to add spices like cumin or chili powder for extra flavor. Tasting as you go can make all the difference!

• Don’t overstuff the peppers: While it’s tempting to pack them full, leaving a little room allows for even cooking and prevents overflowing during baking.

• Experiment with fillings: If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even beans for a vegetarian option. It keeps the dish fresh and exciting!

How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Serving stuffed bell peppers can be as creative as making them! Here are some ideas to present this delightful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Freshly chopped parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the savory flavors.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can provide a creamy contrast that balances the dish’s richness.
• Avocado slices: Adding slices of avocado can enhance the texture and bring a delicious creaminess to each bite.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing accompaniment.
• Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or asparagus with olive oil and roast them until slightly caramelized for added nutrition and flavor.
• Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with diced veggies and lemon dressing not only complements the stuffed peppers but also boosts protein content in your meal.
• Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread provides a satisfying crunch and is perfect for soaking up any delicious juices from the stuffed peppers.

By incorporating these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy an unforgettable meal with your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make these delicious stuffed peppers ahead of time, store them, and enjoy warm, comforting meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• To keep them from becoming soggy, separate the filling from the peppers if possible.

Freezing

• Allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen stuffed peppers, first thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• If reheating from the fridge, bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed to your liking.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I use different types of meat in this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with lean ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian substitutes like lentils or quinoa. Feel free to customize it based on your preference!

How long does it take to make this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 40 minutes—10 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes of cooking time. It’s a quick and easy meal option!

Can I add other vegetables to my stuffed peppers?

Definitely! Chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can easily be added to enhance flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic at the beginning.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe as much as I do! These vibrant peppers are not only delicious but also versatile and perfect for meal planning. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for something easy and satisfying for yourself, these stuffed peppers are sure to please. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor every bite!