Description
These classic stuffed bell peppers are hearty, colorful, and full of comforting flavor. Filled with seasoned ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese, they make an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Proteins
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
Pantry Items & Spices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Cheeses
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange the peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
- Cook Meat: Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned thoroughly. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling flavorful but not greasy.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Remove from heat and mix in half a cup of shredded cheese to bind the mixture.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into each hollowed bell pepper.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow peppers to soften and filling to cook through.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
- Bake Uncovered: Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve the stuffed bell peppers warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use precooked rice to speed up the preparation process.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for different flavors.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms into the filling for added nutrition.
- For softer peppers, consider parboiling them in boiling water for 5 minutes before stuffing.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
