Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Brighten your dinner table with Stuffed Bell Peppers, a vibrant dish bursting with savory goodness. These tender peppers, filled with a hearty mix of seasoned beef, rice, and melted cheese, are as versatile as they are delicious.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress. Let’s dive into this colorful, comforting classic!

Recipe Overview

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Stuffed Bell Peppers combine sweet, tender peppers with a savory filling of ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese. Ready in under an hour, this dish is simple yet satisfying, offering a balance of textures and bold flavors. It’s customizable, family-friendly, and perfect for any occasion.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients List

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green, or mixed): Choose firm, vibrant peppers for sweetness and structure.
• 1 lb ground beef: Lean beef provides rich flavor; substitute with turkey for a lighter option.
• 1 cup cooked white rice: Fluffy rice adds heartiness; use day-old rice for best texture.
• 1 cup marinara sauce: Adds tangy, tomatoey depth to the filling.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection; reserve half for topping.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings bold, aromatic warmth.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil for classic flavor.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all ingredients; adjust to taste.
• ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the richness.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the filling to golden perfection.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.

Note: Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms for stability. Room-temperature marinara blends smoothly into the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Prepare the Peppers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place peppers cut-side up in a baking dish with ¼ inch of water.
   Tip: If peppers wobble, trim a thin slice from the bottom to stabilize without piercing through.
2. Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
   Tip: Don’t skip draining to keep the filling from becoming greasy.
3. Mix the Filling: Stir in cooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half the mozzarella. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
   Tip: Mix gently to keep the rice fluffy and evenly coated.
4. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling evenly into the peppers, packing lightly. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   Tip: Don’t overstuff to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
5. Finish and Bake: Remove foil, sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
   Tip: For extra golden cheese, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Tips for Success

• Pick Firm Peppers: Choose peppers with smooth, glossy skin for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Peppers: Bake until tender but still holding shape to avoid mushiness.
• Season Well: Taste the filling before stuffing to ensure balanced flavors.
• Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist, making the filling soggy.
• Customize the Filling: Swap beef for turkey or add veggies like zucchini for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

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Serve stuffed bell peppers with a crisp side salad of mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any juices. For drinks, try iced tea or a light red wine like Pinot Noir. For a fun presentation, arrange peppers in a rainbow pattern and sprinkle with extra parsley for a pop of color.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Cool leftovers within 2 hours to prevent spoilage before storing.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze baked peppers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work well. Adjust cooking time for leaner meats.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Swap beef for lentils or black beans and add extra veggies like mushrooms or corn.

What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
Use crushed tomatoes with a pinch of sugar and extra Italian seasoning as a substitute.

Can I prep these ahead?
Assemble peppers and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.

How do I keep peppers from getting soggy?
Don’t overbake, and ensure the filling isn’t too wet by draining beef and using day-old rice.

Conclusion

These Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful, hearty meal that’s easy to love and even easier to make. Try this vibrant recipe tonight and share your delicious results with us!