Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

If there’s one dish that never fails to impress yet stays beautifully simple, it’s this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe. Perfectly roasted peppers packed with a savory blend of seasoned beef, rice, and melty cheese, these colorful bundles are a celebration on your plate. Whether you’re making dinner for family or hosting friends, this recipe delivers big flavor in a show-stopping form—and you won’t believe how little effort is required. Get ready to fall in love with the magic of classic comfort food made easy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe really is the first step toward an irresistibly vibrant meal. Every item adds something special, from color to cozy richness, so don’t skip the details—these classics are the heart of it all!

• Extra-virgin Olive Oil (2 Tbsp): Adds luscious flavor and keeps the veggies juicy and tender as they sauté.
• Medium Onion (diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that anchors the filling.
• Garlic Cloves (2-3, minced): Brings a punch of savory depth to every bite; fresh is best here!
• Lean Ground Beef (1 pound): The hearty star of the show, giving each pepper a satisfying, protein-packed richness.
• Cooked Brown Rice (1½ cups): Offers wholesome, nutty flavor and helps bind the filling together.
• Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Ensures the stuffing is juicy, slightly tangy, and brimming with vibrant tomato flavor.
• Tomato Paste (1 Tbsp): Concentrates tomato richness, making the filling taste slow-simmered in seconds.
• Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Adds that classic Mediterranean herbal aroma we all crave in comfort food.
• Smoked Paprika (1 Tbsp): Gives a smoky-sweet depth that soars above the average stuffed pepper.
• Kosher salt and pepper (to taste): Seasoning essentials—never skip, adjust to your liking!
• Large Bell Peppers (7, tops and cores removed): The edible vessels—choose a rainbow for extra wow factor.
• Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese (1 cup): Delivers that gooey, golden finish everyone looks forward to.
• Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish): A little sprinkle before serving instantly brightens up the whole dish.

How to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Peppers and Set the Scene

Start by preheating your oven to 375 F. Grab your seven bell peppers, slice off the tops, and carefully remove the cores and seeds. Place them cut side up in a baking dish or on a rimmed tray. This simple step ensures your peppers are sturdy (and pretty!) little cups for all that tasty filling.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook until it softens and starts to turn translucent—about three to five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute more, until fragrant. This aromatic base sets the stage for truly crave-worthy filling.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef straight into the skillet with your onion and garlic. Break it up using a wooden spoon and keep stirring until it’s no longer pink, about five to six minutes. This is where the mix starts smelling incredible—don’t be surprised if your family is drawn to the kitchen!

Step 4: Build the Flavorful Filling

Stir in your cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, oregano, and smoked paprika. Mix until everything is evenly combined, then let it cook for four to five minutes. The mixture should become slightly reduced and saucy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed—the filling should taste downright mouthwatering at this stage!

Step 5: Stuff and Bake the Peppers

Using a spoon, fill each pepper generously with the beef and rice mixture, packing to the top for maximum satisfaction. Slide the baking dish into your oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the peppers are becoming tender but still hold their shape.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Finish Baking

Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar Jack cheese evenly across the stuffed peppers. Return them to the oven and bake for another five to seven minutes, or until the cheese is golden, melty, and totally irresistible. Just before serving, shower them with fresh parsley for a hit of color and herby brightness!

How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is my go-to garnish for this dish, adding a pop of color and a touch of garden-fresh flavor. For an extra-special touch, you can sprinkle a dusting of smoked paprika on top or even add a few diced scallions for a mild onion crunch.

Side Dishes

The Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even roasted potatoes if you’re craving something heartier. If you want to keep things lighter, try a tangy cucumber and tomato salad—the freshness is such a great contrast!

Creative Ways to Present

You can arrange the peppers in a rainbow pattern on a large platter for a festive look. For special occasions, place each stuffed pepper on a bed of herbed couscous or quinoa, or drizzle a bit of homemade tomato sauce on the plate for a chef’s touch. For weeknights, they’re easy to dish up right from the baking tray—no fuss, just flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe on your hands, simply let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to four days and taste just as delicious the next time around.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, this recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange cooled stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for round two!

Reheating

To reheat, place stuffed peppers in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350 F oven until hot throughout, about 20 minutes. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too—just expect the peppers to be a bit softer, but still every bit as flavorful and comforting.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both great alternatives and will work just as well in this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe. You might want to add a splash of olive oil to the filling if your meat is very lean to keep everything juicy.

Do I have to cook the rice before stuffing the peppers?

Yes, it’s important to use cooked rice for this recipe. Uncooked rice won’t have enough liquid or time to become tender inside the peppers, so make sure to prepare it in advance for best results.

What’s the best way to core the bell peppers?

After slicing off the tops, use a small paring knife to carefully cut around the seeds and membranes, then scoop them out with your fingers or a spoon. This leaves you with neat, sturdy cups ready to be filled.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Definitely! The beef and rice filling can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just fill and bake the peppers when you’re ready for dinner, making this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe a perfect meal prep option.

Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?

You can easily swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just follow the same instructions—a vegetarian twist on the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is always a hit!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a classic, comforting meal like this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with people you love. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—whether you add a fun twist or stick to the original, it’s bound to become a regular at your table. Happy cooking!

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