Colorful Stuffed Peppers Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Colorful bell peppers brimming with savory stuffed peppers recipe promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Fragrant spices and hearty ingredients dance together in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite.

Vibrant vegetables and seasoned proteins create a perfect balance of nutrition and taste.

Robust and comforting, these peppers invite you to savor every single mouthful.

Uncover the magic of this easy, crowd-pleasing meal that will quickly become a favorite.

Stuffed Peppers: Colorful, Flavorful, Always a Crowd-Pleaser

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A classic one-pot meal that delivers rich, satisfying flavors packed with protein and vegetables in every delicious bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add different cheeses, or include extra veggies to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store in the refrigerator, ensuring a quick and delicious dinner option that reheats wonderfully for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this colorful, filling dish that sneaks in nutritious ingredients without sacrificing taste or excitement.

Stuffed Peppers: The Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the stuffed peppers filling.
• Sausage: Adds extra richness and depth to the meat mixture.

• Bell Peppers: The colorful vessel that holds the delicious stuffing and provides a fresh, slightly sweet taste.
• Onion: Brings aromatic sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a bold, pungent flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the filling.

• Rice: A filling and substantial grain that helps bind the meat mixture together.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a complex, savory flavor to the filling.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and richness to the stuffed peppers.
• Cheese: Optional topping that melts beautifully and adds creamy texture.

• Water: Used to cook the rice and create moisture in the filling.

Filling & Baking Stuffed Peppers Guide

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Pepper Preparation

Slice off the pepper tops and gently remove all seeds and inner membranes, creating perfect vessels for your delicious filling.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown the Meat

• Ground beef
• Sausage
• Onion
• Minced garlic

Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor development.

Step 4: Create the Magical Filling

• Diced tomatoes
• Uncooked rice
• Water
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat and let the mixture gently simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and absorbs all the incredible flavors.

Step 6: Stuff Those Peppers

Generously fill each pepper with the rich, savory meat and rice mixture, nestling them snugly in a baking dish.

Step 7: Sauce It Up

Drench the peppers with marinara sauce, ensuring every inch gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 8: First Baking Round

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and peppers to soften.

Step 9: Final Cheesy Touch

Remove foil, add an extra layer of marinara sauce, and sprinkle with cheese.

Bake for an additional 15 minutes until peppers are perfectly tender and cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

Tips for Peppers That Stay Juicy

• Choose bell peppers that are firm, smooth, and brightly colored for the best texture and presentation.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separated grains in the stuffing.
• Drain excess fat after browning beef and sausage to prevent a greasy filling and maintain a balanced flavor.
• Reserve some sauce for the final topping to keep peppers moist and add a fresh tomato flavor at the end.
• Let cheese rest for a few minutes after baking to achieve a golden, bubbly, and perfectly melted topping.

Fun Takes on Classic Stuffed Peppers

• Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or quinoa for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap Italian seasoning for oregano and add feta cheese, olives, and spinach to create a Greek-inspired filling.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice and add extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Mexican Peppers: Incorporate taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Stuffed Pepper Serving Ideas

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve these stuffed peppers as the star attraction of a warm family meal, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread.
• Mediterranean Side Companion: Pair with a light Greek yogurt tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a zesty Mediterranean twist.
• Hearty Meal Completion: Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables or buttered corn to create a complete, satisfying dinner that fills hungry bellies and delights taste buds.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Option: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats perfectly and keeps you energized throughout the afternoon.

Storing Stuffed Peppers Right

• Store stuffed peppers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place pepper on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat 2-3 minutes, rotating halfway through, checking temperature to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and ensure all other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

• How do I prevent my peppers from falling apart?

Choose firm, thick-walled bell peppers and don’t overcook them. Slightly undercook the peppers initially to maintain their structure during final baking.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed peppers a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Mexican-inspired stuffed peppers dance with robust flavors, bringing zesty ground beef, rice, and melted cheese into colorful bell pepper shells. Hearty comfort meets fresh ingredients in this simple yet satisfying meal that delivers robust southwestern charm for hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 6 bell peppers, any color
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces, with juice)

Other Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce, divided
• 1/2 cup mozzarella or cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the bell peppers by slicing off their tops and thoroughly cleaning out seeds and internal membranes.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and combine ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic, cooking until meat is completely browned and vegetables are translucent.
3. Incorporate diced tomatoes, rice, water, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, stirring to combine evenly.
4. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes, ensuring rice becomes tender and absorbs surrounding liquid.
5. Carefully fill each prepared pepper with the savory meat and rice mixture, arranging them upright in a suitable baking dish.
6. Generously drizzle marinara sauce over the stuffed peppers, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 45 minutes, allowing peppers to become slightly softened.
8. Remove foil, add an additional layer of marinara sauce, and sprinkle cheese across the top of each pepper.
9. Return to the oven for a final 15 minutes, cooking until peppers reach desired tenderness and cheese melts into a golden, appetizing finish.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by searing the meat at high heat to develop a rich, caramelized crust before mixing with other ingredients.
• Opt for bell peppers with flat bottoms to ensure they stand upright and cook evenly in the baking dish.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
• For a gluten-free option, replace regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa, maintaining the same cooking technique and seasoning.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 633 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg