Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

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If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that brings vibrant colors and fresh aromas to your dinner table, this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with savory ground beef, wholesome brown rice, and tangy diced tomatoes, all nestled inside crisp bell peppers and topped with melty cheddar jack cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels homemade without the fuss. This recipe not only fills your kitchen with inviting smells but also delivers a perfectly balanced meal that’s satisfying and nourishing in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but pivotal to creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays its part—from the sweet and crunchy bell peppers to the warm, tender filling that brings everything together.

• Extra-virgin Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons): Adds a silky base for sautéing veggies and infuses a subtle fruity richness.
• Medium Onion (1, diced): Offers sweet, tender bites that soften the robust flavor of ground beef.
• Garlic Cloves (2-3, minced): Brings aromatic depth with a gentle zing that makes the filling irresistible.
• Lean Ground Beef (1 pound): Provides hearty protein and a savory backbone to the stuffing.
• Cooked Brown Rice (1½ Cups): Adds a nutty texture and wholesome bite that complements the meat perfectly.
• Diced Tomatoes (14.5 ounces, canned): Introduces juiciness and tangy sweetness, balancing the richness of the beef.
• Tomato Paste (1 Tablespoon): Concentrates tomato flavor, ensuring the filling is rich and vibrant.
• Dried Oregano (1 Teaspoon): Offers earthy, slightly minty notes that elevate the overall taste.
• Paprika (2 Teaspoons): Infuses mild smokiness and a warm glow to the filling (use sweet or smoked, depending on preference).
• Kosher Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
• Large Bell Peppers (7, tops and cores removed): The colorful, crisp vessels that hold the filling—red, yellow, or orange all work wonderfully.
• Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese (1 Cup): Melts gorgeously on top for a creamy, slightly sharp finish.
• Freshly Chopped Parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, grassy brightness just before serving.

How to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit—this shoots the cooking process off at just the right heat. While the oven is warming, carefully cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes, making a beautiful hollow shell ready to cradle the scrumptious stuffing. Place these waiting vessels upright in a baking dish or rimmed tray to maintain their shape during baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Now, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the diced onion and allow it to soften gently, releasing its natural sweetness and mellow fragrance. After about 3-4 minutes, stir in the minced garlic cloves, moving quickly to avoid burning, and cook just until their aroma fills your kitchen, about one more minute.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it loses all pinkness and develops a nice, even brown color—this usually takes 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the meaty depth that makes every bite so satisfying.

Step 4: Mix in the Rice and Flavorings

Once the beef is perfectly browned, stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste, ensuring every grain and chunk is coated with that rich tomatoey goodness. Add dried oregano and paprika to bring warmth and herbal complexity to the mixture. Let the filling simmer just long enough—about 4 to 5 minutes—for the sauce to thicken up slightly while you season it with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 5: Stuff and Bake the Peppers

Carefully spoon the beef-and-rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing them generously but not overflowing, so the filling stays moist and holds shape. Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften but remain vibrant and firm enough to pick up.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes—just until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden at the edges. Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the peppers for a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous touch before serving.

How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic, adding a lively crunch and vibrant green hue, but you can also experiment with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions to introduce creamy or sharp contrasts. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe shines as a complete meal, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad, roasted vegetables, or a warm garlic bread can round out the plate beautifully. Consider a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the stuffed peppers individually plated on colorful dishes or arrange them on a large serving platter with extra parsley sprinkled on top. To impress guests, drizzle a vivid red sauce or a light drizzle of herb-infused olive oil around the base of each pepper. If you want a twist, stuff the peppers with different fillings—like quinoa and black beans—for a variety-packed spread at your next dinner gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed bell peppers keep incredibly well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture. The flavors even deepen as they rest, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this recipe later, freezing works perfectly. Arrange the stuffed peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to freezer-safe bags or containers. They will keep best for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the peppers on a baking dish and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Warm in a 350-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also microwave them on medium power but be aware this may soften the peppers more than baking.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work beautifully as substitutes or additions to the ground beef, offering different flavor profiles while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.

Is it necessary to cook the rice beforehand?

Yes, cooking the brown rice ahead of time ensures the filling has the perfect texture and cooks evenly. Using uncooked rice will result in unevenly cooked stuffing and may require a longer baking time that could overcook the peppers.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives, lentils, or a mix of hearty vegetables and beans. Adjust seasonings and cooking time accordingly for the best results.

What is the best type of bell pepper to use?

All colors of bell peppers work well—red, yellow, orange, or green. Red and yellow tend to be sweeter and softer after baking, while green peppers have a slightly more bitter bite and firmer texture. Choose based on your preference or mix colors for a vibrant plate.

Can I prepare the stuffed peppers ahead and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffed bell peppers, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they will be cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully and cooked with care, create a dish that’s both nourishing and utterly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family weeknight dinners or hosting friends, this recipe invites warmth and comfort to your table with every colorful bite. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to meal!

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