The Smokiest Stuffed Pepper Stew Recipe For Cozy Dinners

Peppers bursting with smoky goodness capture the essence of hearty comfort in this stuffed pepper stew.

Aromatic spices dance through tender vegetables and rich protein, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each spoonful tells a story of warmth and tradition.

Robust ingredients meld together, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone closer to the table.

Layered with complex tastes and simple cooking techniques, you’ll find this stew becomes an instant favorite.

Prepare to be delighted by a dish that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Questions About Smoked Stuffed Pepper Stew

• What kind of peppers work best for this stew?

Bell peppers are ideal, with red, green, or yellow varieties offering great flavor. Choose peppers that are firm, vibrant, and free from blemishes for the best results.

• Can I use a different type of smoker?

Absolutely! While a Traeger or pellet smoker is recommended, you can use other smokers like electric or charcoal smokers. Just maintain a consistent low temperature around 225F and use wood chips for that smoky flavor.

• Do I need to prep the peppers in any special way?

Simply cut the peppers in half, remove the seeds, and brush with olive oil. This helps them absorb smoke and prevents sticking to the grill grates. A light coat of oil also enhances their natural sweetness during smoking.

• What wood pellets enhance the pepper flavor best?

Hickory and cherry wood pellets are perfect for this recipe. Hickory provides a strong, classic smoky taste, while cherry adds a subtle sweetness that complements the peppers’ natural flavor.

Why Smoked Stuffed Pepper Stew Is A Favorite

• Elevate Weekend Comfort: This smoky stew transforms classic stuffed peppers into a gourmet experience that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your backyard grill.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just a few simple steps and under an hour of cooking time, you'll create a delicious meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: These smoked peppers offer endless possibilities for filling, allowing you to experiment with different meats, cheeses, and seasonings to match your taste preferences.
• Healthy Grilling Twist: By using a smoker and fresh bell peppers, you're creating a nutritious dish that's packed with vegetables and cooked in a healthier method compared to traditional stove-top preparations.

What Goes Into Smoked Stuffed Pepper Stew

Main Ingredients:

Bell Peppers: – Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that form the base of the stew, providing a sweet and smoky flavor profile. Choose firm, vibrant peppers without blemishes for the best results.

Protein Base: – Ground Beef, Chorizo: Hearty meats that add richness and depth to the stew. Opt for a mix of ground beef and chorizo for complex flavor.

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

Spices and Herbs: – Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Classic seasonings that boost the overall taste of the dish. Fresh, high-quality spices will make a significant difference.

Aromatics: – Onions, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a robust flavor base. Fresh ingredients provide the most intense taste.

Cooking and Binding Ingredients:

Liquid and Binders: – Olive Oil, Beef Broth, Tomato Sauce: Essential for creating moisture and helping ingredients meld together. Use low-sodium broth for better control of saltiness.

Additional Ingredients: – Cheese, Rice: Optional additions that can transform the stew into a complete meal. Choose melting cheeses like cheddar or monterey jack for extra flavor.

How To Put Together Smoked Stuffed Pepper Stew

Step 1: Fire Up The Smoker

• Hickory pellets
• Cherry wood pellets

Heat the smoker to a low and slow 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Prepare Peppers

• Slice peppers carefully in half
• Remove all seeds and membranes
• Drizzle olive oil generously over each pepper half
• Massage the oil to coat every surface

Step 3: Smoke The Peppers

• Arrange peppers with cut sides facing up
• Close the smoker lid
• Let peppers absorb that incredible smoky goodness
• Smoke until peppers become tender and develop beautiful char marks
• Total smoking time will be around 45 minutes

Tips For Better Smoked Stuffed Pepper Stew

• Prep Peppers Perfectly: Remove all seeds and membranes thoroughly to ensure a clean, smooth interior for even smoking and stuffing.
• Choose Wood Wisely: Opt for hickory or cherry wood pellets to infuse rich, smoky flavor that complements the bell peppers' natural sweetness.
• Control Smoking Time: Watch peppers closely during the 45-minute smoking process to prevent over-charring while achieving tender, slightly softened texture.
• Oil Application Trick: Lightly brush peppers with high-quality olive oil to enhance smoke absorption and create a beautiful, glossy exterior.
• Temperature Precision: Maintain a steady 225F on your Traeger or pellet smoker for consistent, gentle smoking that preserves pepper integrity.

How To Keep Smoked Stuffed Pepper Stew Fresh

• Seal your leftover stew in airtight containers for maximum freshness.
• Refrigerate the stew within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain flavor and prevent odors from spreading.
• Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the peppers and meat remain tender and delicious.
• When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Gently warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Avoid freezing this stew, as bell peppers can become watery and lose their texture when thawed.
• For best quality, consume within the recommended refrigeration timeframe and enjoy the smoky, rich flavors at their peak.

Best Pairings With Smoked Stuffed Pepper Stew

• Complement Bold Smoky Flavors: Pair this stew with a robust red wine like Syrah or Zinfandel, which matches the deep smoky notes from the hickory wood pellets.
• Brighten with Fresh Contrast: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty pepper stew.
• Balance with Creamy Comfort: Accompany the dish with garlic parmesan polenta or creamy mashed potatoes, which will absorb the delicious smoky juices and add a smooth texture to each bite.
• Enhance with Herbal Kick: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or parsley on top to add a bright, green element that lifts the smoky intensity and provides a fresh aromatic finish.

Ways To Change Up Smoked Stuffed Pepper Stew

• Spicy Southwestern Style: Swap out traditional seasonings with chipotle powder, add black beans, corn, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace olive oil with Greek-inspired herbs like oregano and thyme, incorporate feta cheese, and mix in diced kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair.
• Hearty Protein Power: Blend ground turkey or lean beef with quinoa, add extra protein-rich ingredients like lentils, and sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a protein-packed version.
• Vegetarian Garden Blend: Substitute meat with roasted mushrooms, incorporate plant-based protein like tempeh, mix in seasonal vegetables like zucchini and eggplant, and garnish with fresh basil for a vibrant vegetarian option.

Smoked Stuffed Pepper Stew Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Smoked Stuffed Pepper Stew brings rustic Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with bold spices and tender vegetables. Simmering with rich smoky notes and robust seasonings, this comforting dish promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground sausage)
• 1 cup cooked white rice

Vegetable and Aromatics:

• 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (28 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the smoker by setting the temperature to 225°F, selecting hickory or cherry wood pellets for a rich, aromatic flavor profile.
2. Carefully halve the bell peppers, meticulously removing all seeds and membranes to create clean, uniform vessel for the filling.
3. Gently coat the pepper halves with a light layer of olive oil, ensuring even coverage to promote optimal smoking and prevent sticking.
4. Position the prepared peppers directly on the smoker’s grates, allowing them to absorb the wood-infused smoke and develop a subtle charred exterior.
5. Monitor the peppers as they transform, looking for a tender consistency and slight caramelization around the edges, which typically occurs after approximately 45 minutes of slow smoking.
6. Watch for visual cues indicating doneness: the peppers should appear softened, with a slightly wilted texture and a hint of smoky char that promises deep, complex flavors.

Notes

• Experiment with different wood pellets like apple or mesquite for unique smoky flavor profiles that complement the peppers’ natural sweetness.
• For a vegetarian twist, replace ground meat with quinoa, lentils, or plant-based protein crumbles to create a hearty, nutritious alternative.
• Consider using a mix of colorful bell peppers to create a visually stunning dish that adds vibrant colors and varied nutritional benefits to your meal.
• Enhance the smoky flavor by marinating the peppers in a blend of herbs and spices before smoking, which helps intensify the overall taste and aroma of the stew.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg