Classic Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any dining table. This classic dish combines the vibrant flavors of bell peppers with a hearty filling of ground meat, rice, and a medley of spices. With their inviting colors and delicious aroma wafting from the oven, they make for a stunning centerpiece at family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying meal, these stuffed peppers fit the bill perfectly. They’re not only delicious, but they also offer a wholesome balance of ingredients, making every bite a delight.

These stuffed peppers are versatile and easy to make, appealing to both beginners and experienced cooks. With every vibrant pepper bursting with flavor and nutrients, you’ll find yourself falling in love with this delightful dish. They’re perfect for meal prep, and even taste better the next day—if there are any leftovers! So roll up your sleeves and give them a try; you won’t regret it!

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

The vibrant ingredients ready for preparation.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds inside.
3. In a skillet, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they are soft and fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it tightly, and place them upright in a baking dish.
7. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese, ensuring a generous layer for that bubbly finish.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb variation.
• Optional Variations: Consider adding black beans, corn, or chopped zucchini to the filling for extra texture. Spice it up with jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce for a kick!
• Storage or Reheating Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy

Classic Stuffed Peppers

350kcal

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Prep 15 minutes mins

Cook 45 minutes mins

Total 1 hour hr

Delicious and vibrant stuffed peppers filled with ground meat, rice, and spices, perfect for family gatherings.

Servings 4 servings

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 4 pieces bell peppers Choose vibrant colors like red, yellow, or green.
• ▢ 1 cup cooked rice You can use white, brown, or cauliflower rice.
• ▢ 1 pound ground beef or turkey For a healthier option, use ground turkey or lean ground chicken.
• ▢ 1 can diced tomatoes Drained or undrained as per preference.
• ▢ 1 piece onion, chopped Use yellow or white onion for sweetness.
• ▢ 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or mozzarella works well.
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds the best flavor.
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Can substitute with oregano or basil.
• ▢ to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to personal preference.

Method

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Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds inside.
3. In a skillet, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they are soft and fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it tightly, and place them upright in a baking dish.
7. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese, ensuring a generous layer for that bubbly finish.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition

Serving1gCalories350kcalCarbohydrates30gProtein25gFat15gSaturated Fat7gSodium400mgFiber3gSugar5g

Notes

For a low-carb variation, substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice. Consider adding black beans, corn, or chopped zucchini for extra texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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