Description
Stuffed bell peppers are a classic dish made by hollowing out bell peppers and filling them with a savory mixture of ingredients like ground meat, vegetables, grains (often rice), spices, and cheese. Once filled, the peppers are baked until tender and topped with melted cheese for added indulgence.
Ingredients
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4 large bell peppers (any color), tops sliced off and seeds removed
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey (or plant-based protein)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
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1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend), divided
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are.
Cut off the tops and remove seeds and membranes from inside each bell pepper. Trim the bottoms slightly to keep them upright in your baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add ground beef or your chosen protein to the skillet. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, canned tomatoes, cooked rice, and half the shredded cheese. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Spoon the filling into each prepared bell pepper, pressing gently to fill to the top.
Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover the dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
And just like that, you’ve mastered how to make stuffed bell peppers from scratch!
Notes
Stuffed bell peppers are incredibly versatile—feel free to customize the filling with your favorite grains, proteins, or vegetables. You can also top them with cheese or breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe