Stuffed Bell Peppers

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious meal that brings the family together, you’ve landed in the right spot! Stuffed Bell Peppers are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re colorful, hearty, and packed with flavor. I remember making these on busy weeknights when I needed something quick yet satisfying. The aroma of roasted peppers filled the kitchen as my family gathered around the table, excited for dinner. It’s truly a recipe that fits any occasion—whether it’s a casual supper or a festive gathering.

These Stuffed Bell Peppers blend tender roasted peppers with a savory ground beef and rice filling, all topped with melted cheese. You can make them ahead of time for meal prep or whip them up in just under an hour. No matter how you serve them, they’re sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the flavors and colors.
• Easy preparation: Simple steps make this recipe approachable, even on busy nights.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare them in advance and pop them in the oven when ready to eat.
• Versatile options: Customize the filling to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
• Flavor explosion: The combination of spices and salsa creates a delightful taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will make your Stuffed Bell Peppers shine! These staples are easy to find and perfect for creating a comforting meal.

For the Peppers

• 6 bell peppers (2 green, 2 yellow, 2 red)

For the Filling

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup white jasmine rice
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 21 oz salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided in half)

Variations

The beauty of Stuffed Bell Peppers lies in their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute ground meat with black beans or lentils for a hearty plant-based filling.
• Add veggies: Toss in diced zucchini or corn into the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
• Try different cheeses: Swap out Mexican blend cheese for cheddar or mozzarella to mix things up!

How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that when your stuffed peppers are ready, they’ll bake evenly and perfectly!

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers

Slice the tops off of each bell pepper and scoop out their insides with a spoon. Rinse them under water and pat dry. This step not only makes room for the delicious filling but also helps them roast beautifully.

Step 3: Roast the Peppers

Place each pepper upright in a baking dish so they fit snugly. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Roasting enhances their sweetness while making them tender enough to hold all that yummy stuffing.

Step 4: Sauté Onions

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add some cooking oil and sauté your chopped onions until they turn translucent—about 1-2 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your filling.

Step 5: Cook the Beef

Add in your ground beef and break it apart into pieces. Cook until it turns brown and is no longer pink. Browning the meat not only cooks it but also develops rich flavors essential to this dish.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Stir in salsa, taco seasoning, and cumin into the beef mixture. Gently scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan as you stir—it adds flavor! Now add uncooked rice along with beef broth, cover it, and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. This allows everything to meld together beautifully while ensuring that rice cooks perfectly.

Step 7: Fill the Peppers

Once cooked, stir half of your shredded cheese into the rice mixture before carefully scooping it into each roasted bell pepper. Top each one off with more cheese because who doesn’t love extra melted goodness?

Step 8: Bake Again

Return your stuffed peppers to the oven uncovered for an additional 15-18 minutes until they’re softened through and bubbly on top. This final bake gives everything time to meld together while creating that irresistible cheesy crust!

Step 9: Serve

Top with your favorite garnishes like sour cream or fresh parsley before serving warm. Enjoy every bite of these delightful Stuffed Bell Peppers—they’re sure to become a family favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Bell Peppers

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you can elevate your stuffed bell peppers to the next level!

• Choose colorful peppers – Using a variety of bell pepper colors not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds subtle differences in flavor and sweetness.
• Pre-cook the rice slightly – If you prefer a softer texture in your stuffed peppers, consider cooking the rice for a few minutes before mixing it with the beef. This helps ensure that the rice is fluffy and tender when served.
• Add moisture – For juicier peppers, drizzle a bit of broth or water into the baking dish before covering it with foil. This creates steam while baking, keeping your peppers moist and flavorful.
• Customize flavors – Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or add-ins like black beans, corn, or chopped vegetables for extra nutrition and taste. This allows you to tailor the dish to your family’s preferences.
• Let them rest – After baking, let the stuffed peppers sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the fillings settle and makes them easier to serve without falling apart.

How to Serve Stuffed Bell Peppers

Presentation can enhance any meal, and stuffed bell peppers are no exception! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro or parsley – A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bite.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – A dollop on top provides a creamy contrast that complements the spicy flavors of the filling.
• Sliced jalapeños – For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding sliced jalapeños gives an extra kick and beautiful garnishing.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad – A refreshing salad made with corn, lime juice, cilantro, and cheese that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of stuffed peppers.
• Quinoa Salad with Black Beans – Packed with protein and fiber, this vibrant salad offers a healthy side option that balances out the richness of the peppers.
• Avocado & Tomato Salad – A light salad featuring ripe avocados and juicy tomatoes dressed in olive oil and lemon juice creates a refreshing complement to your meal.
• Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter provide a comforting side to soak up any leftover juices from your stuffed peppers.

With these tips for preparation and suggestions for serving, your stuffed bell peppers will not only be delicious but also visually appealing—perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy delicious, hearty meals throughout the week. Here’s how to store them properly for maximum freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be kept for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen stuffed peppers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them on high for 2-3 minutes, checking every minute until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have as you prepare this delightful dish!

Can I use other types of meat for Stuffed Bell Peppers?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives work wonderfully in this recipe. Feel free to mix it up according to your preferences!

How do I make vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers?

For a vegetarian version of Stuffed Bell Peppers, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils. Also, add some diced vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra flavor and nutrition!

Can I prepare Stuffed Bell Peppers without rice?

Yes! You can use quinoa or cauliflower rice as a healthier alternative to traditional rice. This not only changes the texture but also adds unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Stuffed Bell Peppers as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also a comforting and satisfying meal that brings everyone together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these stuffed beauties will surely impress. Dive into this recipe and let it warm your heart and home—happy cooking!