What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This stuffed pepper recipe is a crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor and easy to customize to your taste. You’ll love how simple it is to make, yet how impressive it looks on the table.
- Hearty and filling: Loaded with savory ground meat, rice, and melted cheese, each bite is pure comfort.
- Versatile: Swap ingredients to fit your diet—try turkey, quinoa, or even a veggie-packed version.
- Meal-prep friendly: Make a batch ahead, and they reheat perfectly for quick, delicious lunches or dinners.
Recipe
Stuffed bell peppers are a classic dish that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with a savory filling, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. This recipe offers a simple yet flavorful approach to making this dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in a baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared bell peppers, filling them evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top (if using), and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
- Serve hot.
Notes:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or quinoa.
- Use pre-cooked rice to save time.
Equipment:
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
This stuffed pepper recipe is packed with nutrients and flavor. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
What To Serve With It
Wondering what to pair with your stuffed peppers? I love serving them with simple sides like garlic bread or a crisp green salad—they balance the dish perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, try roasted potatoes or even a light quinoa salad for extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
When I make stuffed peppers, I love pairing them with sides that balance the meal, adding texture and flavor without stealing the spotlight. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while garlic bread soaks up any extra sauce. Roasted potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, add heartiness, and steamed green beans keep things light. If I’m feeling fancy, a scoop of creamy coleslaw brings crunch and brightness. Each side complements the peppers without overpowering them, making the meal feel complete. Experiment to find your favorite combo—it’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
Pairing Options
If you’re looking for the perfect sides to pair with stuffed peppers, I’ve got you covered—these options balance flavors and textures without competing for attention. My go-to is a light garlic bread; it’s crispy yet soft, and it soaks up sauce perfectly. A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette adds freshness, and roasted potatoes bring a comforting warmth. Sometimes, I pair it with Spanish rice for a hearty complement. For a lighter option, steamed veggies like broccoli or zucchini work wonders. These sides make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight from the star of the show—your stuffed peppers!
