Classic Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a timeless comfort food that brings heartiness and warmth to any table. This dish takes simple ingredients and transforms them into colorful, flavorful bundles of joy. With vibrant bell peppers stuffed with a delicious mixture of seasoned ground meat, rice, and tomatoes, this dish is not only visually appealing but also delightfully satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, stuffed peppers are a fantastic choice that ensures everyone leaves the table happy.

What makes these classic stuffed peppers especially special is their versatility. You can easily adapt the filling based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Plus, they can be made in advance, making them an excellent dish for meal prep. As they bake, the peppers become tender, and the flavors meld together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Your family will love the hearty, comforting goodness of this meal!

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Gather all your ingredients for a tasty stuffed pepper experience.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds, creating a hollow space for your filling.
3. In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to combine well.
6. Carefully stuff the mixture into the hollowed bell peppers, packing them tightly. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
7. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper for an extra cheesy goodness.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly (if using).
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient substitutions: You can swap the ground beef with cooked lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian option. Feel free to replace white rice with brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Optional variations: Try adding black beans, corn, or chopped vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition. Spices such as cumin or chili powder can add a nice kick.
• Storage or reheating tips: Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave for a quick option.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy