Cozy and Filling Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Peppers bursting with savory stuffed goodness transport home cooks to cozy comfort meals.

Packed with ground beef and rice, this classic stuffed peppers recipe delivers robust flavor in every delightful bite.

Generations of families have cherished these colorful bell peppers filled with hearty ingredients.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a satisfying main dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Tender bell peppers embrace a flavorful mixture of seasoned meat and rice, promising a delectable dinner experience.

Each forkful promises rich, memorable flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll love how quickly this crowd-pleasing meal comes together with minimal preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 440 kcal

Servings: 5

Stuffed Peppers Ingredient Rundown

• Bell Peppers: Vibrant vessels for delicious filling, choose firm peppers with smooth skin and bright color, look for thick-walled varieties that hold stuffing well.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking base, select extra virgin for richer flavor and healthier option.

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Hearty protein sources, choose lean cuts for healthier version, grass-fed options offer more robust flavor.
• Rice: Fluffy filling component, use long-grain white rice or brown rice for nutty texture, pre-cooked rice works perfectly.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic foundations creating depth, fresh options provide more intense taste, organic varieties offer cleaner flavor profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Moisture and tanginess booster, look for no-salt-added versions for better control of seasoning.
• Oregano, Basil, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend creating Mediterranean-inspired taste, use fresh herbs when possible for brighter flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy melting layer, shredded fresh cheese provides best melting quality, whole milk varieties offer richer taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright finishing garnish, choose vibrant green leaves with crisp appearance.

Tools for Crafting Stuffed Peppers

• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for sautéing ingredients and preparing filling.
• Baking Dish: Ceramic or glass dish to hold and bake stuffed peppers.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing peppers.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise cutting and chopping ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up ground meat and stirring filling.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers baking dish during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Cheese Grater: For shredding fresh mozzarella cheese.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring seasonings and spices.

Making Stuffed Peppers from the Ground Up

• Prep Bell Peppers

Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds. Gently blanch peppers in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them up. This helps create a perfect tender texture when baking. Pat peppers dry and set aside.

• Create Delicious Filling

Sizzle onions and garlic in a hot skillet until they release their amazing aroma. Toss in ground meat and cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Mix in cooked rice, tomatoes, and a blend of herbs that will make your taste buds dance. Stir everything together until the flavors mingle and sing.

• Load Up Those Peppers

Fire up the oven to 375F. Carefully stuff each pepper with the mouthwatering meat mixture, pressing down to pack in all the goodness. Nestle the peppers in a baking dish, making sure they stand up tall and proud.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven. Let the peppers bake until they’re almost done, then sprinkle a generous layer of melty cheese on top. Return to the oven and watch the cheese transform into a golden, bubbly blanket.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull the peppers out of the oven and let them rest for a moment. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra flavor. Dive into this comforting meal that brings warmth and happiness to the dinner table.

Variations to Customize Stuffed Peppers

• Prepare the stuffed peppers up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Simply cover tightly and bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles, quinoa, or black beans. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a protein-packed alternative.
• Experiment with different seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika. Top with hot sauce or jalapeños for those who love a kick of heat.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Double-check seasoning labels to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Try alternative cheese options like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or goat cheese. Mix different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.

How to Serve These Savory Peppers

• Meal Companion Delights: Pair these stuffed peppers with a fresh garden salad for a crisp, light contrast to the hearty main dish. The cool, crunchy greens will balance the rich, warm flavors of the peppers.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the meal with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's robust profile will enhance the savory beef and cheese notes in the dish.
• Breakfast Remix: Transform leftover stuffed peppers into a morning sensation by topping them with a fried egg. The runny yolk adds extra richness and turns a dinner favorite into a delicious breakfast option.
• Veggie Side Symphony: Roast some zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli as a side dish. These vegetables will provide additional nutrition and a colorful plate presentation that makes the meal feel more complete and vibrant.

Keeping Stuffed Peppers Fresh and Ready

• Store leftover stuffed peppers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. These delicious peppers stay fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated, maintaining their robust flavor and texture.
• Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen stuffed peppers can last up to 3 months, providing a convenient meal for busy weeknights. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated peppers in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispness and prevent soggy textures. Microwave works in a pinch, but might compromise the pepper's original delightful crunch.
• Prepare extra batches during initial cooking. Separate peppers into single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or emergency meals. This strategy saves time and ensures delicious, home-cooked food is always within reach.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients needed for stuffed peppers?

You’ll need bell peppers, ground beef (or turkey), rice, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. The spices include oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, quinoa, or meat substitutes. Use vegetable broth instead of meat and add more beans or vegetables for protein.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure you use gluten-free rice and check that your spices and canned tomatoes are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make the stuffed peppers healthier?

Use lean ground turkey or chicken, brown rice instead of white rice, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the filling for more nutrients.

Hearty Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic Mexican stuffed peppers blend colorful bell peppers with seasoned ground beef and rice. These hearty peppers offer a delicious meal you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
• 6 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (185 g) cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce, divided
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously core bell peppers, removing seeds and membranes. Slice peppers vertically or horizontally for optimal presentation.
2. Blanching: Briefly immerse peppers in boiling water for 3-4 minutes to soften, creating perfect filling vessels. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
3. Flavor Foundation: In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent, releasing aromatic essence and building depth of flavor.
4. Protein Integration: Introduce ground meat, breaking into fine crumbles while cooking until completely browned. Fold in pre-cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and carefully selected seasonings.
5. Filling Preparation: Blend filling ingredients, allowing spices to harmonize and develop robust flavor profile for 4-5 minutes over moderate heat.
6. Oven Assembly: Preheat oven to 375°F. Generously stuff pepper shells with meat-rice mixture, pressing gently to ensure even distribution.
7. Baking Process: Position stuffed peppers in ceramic baking dish, maintaining stability. Distribute any remaining filling around pepper bases. Cover with aluminum foil and roast for 25 minutes.
8. Final Touches: Remove foil, crown peppers with mozzarella cheese. Return to oven for 10-12 minutes until cheese transforms into golden, bubbling perfection.
9. Serving: Rest peppers for 5 minutes post-baking. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve while piping hot, releasing tantalizing aromas.

Notes

Optimize Pepper Selection: Choose peppers with thick, sturdy walls to prevent collapsing during baking and ensure stable stuffing structure.

Parboil with Precision: Briefly blanch peppers to soften texture and reduce baking time, but avoid overcooking to maintain structural integrity and prevent sogginess.

Customize Protein Variations: Substitute ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, quinoa, or crumbled tofu for vegetarian and vegan-friendly versions without compromising flavor complexity.

Control Moisture Levels: Drain excess liquid from tomatoes and meat to prevent watery filling, ensuring a dense and flavorful stuffed pepper experience with perfect consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg