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Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers
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Stuffed Bell Peppers offer a comforting and colorful meal, balancing savory fillings with tender, sweet bell peppers. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals, this versatile recipe can be adapted to include meat, vegetarian, or gluten-free options, making it a crowd-pleaser with a complete mix of protein, veggies, and grains all in one delicious dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 large colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or substitute with beans or lentils for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (can substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, feta, or Parmesan)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Optional Variations & Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup black beans, corn, and diced mushrooms (for vegetarian version)
  • Chopped jalapeños or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spicy twist)
  • Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil (to taste)
  • Olive oil for brushing the peppers before baking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peppers: Wash the bell peppers thoroughly and slice off the tops. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes to create hollow shells ready for stuffing.
  2. Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and any optional seasonings or vegetables. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  3. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the savory filling evenly into each hollowed bell pepper, packing gently but not pressing hard. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a glass or ceramic baking dish to maintain shape during baking.
  4. Bake and Add Cheese: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Notes

  • Choose firm bell peppers that stand upright for easier stuffing and even cooking.
  • Under-cook the filling slightly before stuffing to prevent soggy peppers.
  • Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even heat retention and better cooking results.
  • Let the peppers rest for a few minutes after baking for enhanced flavor and easier handling.
  • Brush peppers with olive oil before baking to add a beautiful sheen and caramelized skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: Stuffed Bell Peppers, Ground Beef, Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers, Easy Dinner, Gluten Free, Family Meal

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/stuffed-bell-peppers/