Ah, stuffed peppers! I can’t even begin to tell you how much joy these little bundles of flavor bring to my kitchen. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma of sizzling beef and garlic wafting through the house made my family gather around the kitchen, eagerly awaiting dinner. There’s something so comforting about biting into a soft, sweet bell pepper filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground beef, and spices. And the best part? They’re super versatile! You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making them a perfect last-minute meal. Plus, they’re a hit with the kids, who love the colorful presentation. Trust me, once you try these stuffed peppers, they’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 4 bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Stuffed Peppers
Preheat and Prepare Peppers
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This is key to ensuring your stuffed peppers cook perfectly! While that’s heating up, grab your bell peppers. Cut the tops off and scoop out the seeds. You want them nice and hollow for stuffing. Just imagine the delicious filling you’re about to create—trust me, the anticipation is half the fun!
Cook the Filling
Now, onto the filling! In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned; this usually takes around 6-8 minutes. Make sure to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the cooked rice, undrained diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Let that simmer for a couple of minutes to combine all those amazing flavors. Oh, it smells heavenly!
Stuff the Peppers
Time to stuff those peppers! Carefully spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in there tightly. You want to get as much goodness in there as possible! Once they’re filled, place the peppers upright in a baking dish. If they wobble a bit, don’t stress—just press them gently into some of the filling to keep them stable. They’ll stand tall once they bake!
Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the moisture in and prevent the tops from burning. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. This step allows the peppers to soften beautifully. After 30 minutes, take off the foil and sprinkle your shredded cheese on top. Oh yes, the cheese is where the magic happens! Bake them uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. And just like that, your stuffed peppers are ready to wow everyone at the dinner table!
Tips for Success
Here are a few of my favorite tips to ensure your stuffed peppers turn out amazing every time! First, don’t be afraid to mix up the ingredients. If you’re not a fan of ground beef, turkey or even lentils make for great substitutes! You can also throw in some chopped veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. If you want a kick, add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling. Another pro tip? Try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of freshness. And remember, the longer you let the stuffed peppers sit after baking, the more the flavors meld together—so if you can resist, let them rest for a few minutes before digging in! Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into your delicious stuffed peppers, here’s a little note on nutrition: keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this as a general guideline rather than precise figures. But to give you an idea, here’s a typical breakdown for one stuffed pepper:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
So go ahead and enjoy these tasty treats knowing you’re also getting some good nutrition along the way!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! One of the best things about stuffed peppers is their flexibility. If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. If you’re looking for a healthier option, leaner meats work great too. And for those who enjoy a bit of spice, why not try chorizo? Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as different meats can vary in flavor.
How can I make them vegetarian?
Going vegetarian with stuffed peppers is super easy and just as delicious! You can replace the meat with black beans, lentils, or quinoa for a protein-packed filling. Add some chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies, and don’t forget to toss in some spices to keep that flavor punch! You could even use a mix of rice and beans to make it hearty and satisfying. Trust me, you won’t miss the meat!
What sides go well with stuffed peppers?
Stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but if you want to jazz up your dinner, consider serving them with a fresh salad or some garlic bread on the side. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly, adding a refreshing crunch to your meal. You might also enjoy a side of roasted veggies or a nice creamy potato salad. Whatever you choose, your stuffed peppers will shine as the star of the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously savory flavors that everyone in the family will enjoy.
- Endless customization options—switch up the meat or add your favorite veggies.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers; they taste even better the next day!
- Colorful presentation makes them a hit at any dinner table.
- Gluten-free and packed with protein, making them a wholesome choice.
Stuffed Peppers: 5 Ways to Delight Your Taste Buds
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Stuffed peppers filled with a savory mixture.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a skillet, cook onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Notes
- Use any color of bell peppers.
- Can substitute ground beef with turkey or a meat alternative.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: stuffed peppers, bell peppers, main dish
