Stuffed Pepper Recipe
This Stuffed Pepper Recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that features bell peppers filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, cheese, and aromatic seasonings. Baked to perfection, these stuffed peppers are a comforting meal for any occasion.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Peppers:
- 4–6 bell peppers (use any color – green, yellow, red, orange)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (450g) – can also use ground turkey, chicken, pork, sausage, tofu, or other similar options
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (optional, for spice)
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 14.5 ounces fire-roasted tomatoes (canned – or use diced tomatoes or tomato sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend – I love pepperjack for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside. If you prefer softer peppers, you can blanch them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the chopped onion, jalapeño (if using), and garlic. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the onions soften. Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir in the cooked rice and shredded cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese melts.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, packing it tightly. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like beans, corn, or different spices.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Stuffed Peppers, Bell Peppers, Ground Beef, Rice, Cheese, Baked Dish