If you have been searching for a hearty, colorful, and utterly delicious dinner idea, look no further because The Best Stuffed Peppers Recipe is here to delight your taste buds and fill your home with irresistible aromas. This dish combines tender bell peppers with a savory filling of ground meat, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich tomato base, all crowned with gooey melted cheese. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and a wholesome meal, making it a family favorite and a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to nailing The Best Stuffed Peppers Recipe. Each component plays a starring role, bringing depth to the flavor, satisfying texture, and vibrant color that make this recipe so inviting.
- Bell peppers (6, any color): Choose firm, bright peppers for the best presentation and crunch after baking.
- Ground beef or turkey (1 lb): Provides a savory, protein-packed filling that’s juicy and flavorful.
- Uncooked white rice (2 ¼ cups, then cooked): The foundation of the stuffing, adding substance and a tender bite.
- Diced tomatoes (15 oz can): Brings acidity and moisture to keep the filling bright and balanced.
- Tomato sauce (8 oz can/¾ cup): Adds richness and helps bind the filling together beautifully.
- Yellow onion (¾ cup, finely chopped): Enhances flavor with a subtle sweetness and aroma.
- Olive oil (2 teaspoons): Essential for cooking the meat and onions without sticking, while adding smoothness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, with ¼ cup reserved): Melts into a creamy topping that seals in the flavors and offers a delightful cheesy finish.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A classic herb blend that brings warmth and complexity.
- Minced garlic (1 ½ teaspoons): Infuses a fragrant punch that’s indispensable in any savory dish.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Amplifies garlic flavor with convenience and depth.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of spice and balance.
How to Make The Best Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s just right when your peppers are ready to bake. While it heats, slice the tops off each bell pepper and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. This step creates a lovely hollow vessel ready to be filled with your savory stuffing without any bitterness from the seeds.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef or turkey. As it cooks, break it up until nicely browned and no pink remains. Then toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté everything together until the onions soften and the mixture smells irresistible—this builds the rich flavor base essential for The Best Stuffed Peppers Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Rice, Tomatoes, and Sauce
Next, stir cooked white rice into the skillet along with the diced tomatoes including their juices, plus the tomato sauce. Mix everything thoroughly and let it simmer gently for about 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the flavors to marry perfectly and the mixture to thicken slightly, creating a moist and cohesive filling.
Step 4: Stuff and Assemble
Carefully fill each hollowed bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it in firmly but gently. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in your baking dish so they stay nicely shaped while cooking. Don’t forget to reserve a bit of shredded cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top later!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake the peppers for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into golden, bubbly perfection. This final touch takes The Best Stuffed Peppers Recipe to an entirely new level of comfort and delight.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once baked, serve your stuffed peppers warm and fresh from the oven. The melty cheese topping combined with the juicy, seasoned filling and tender pepper makes each bite utterly satisfying.
How to Serve The Best Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish elevates your presentation and flavor. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves on top for a burst of green and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add an exciting zing that beautifully complements the savory filling.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and complementary with light sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or garlic roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread can help soak up every last bit of that delicious tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, serve individual stuffed peppers on a bed of mixed greens or quinoa. You might also hollow out mini bell peppers and use them as bite-sized appetizers or colorful party snacks. The versatility of The Best Stuffed Peppers Recipe means you can dress it up or down depending on your occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before sealing to preserve freshness and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium heat, covered loosely, checking every couple of minutes to avoid drying out the peppers.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat besides beef or turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat substitutes work great in The Best Stuffed Peppers Recipe. Just adjust cooking times if necessary, and make sure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with rice.
Do I have to cook the rice before stuffing the peppers?
Yes, cooking the rice beforehand is important because it absorbs the flavors and ensures your stuffing is tender and evenly cooked inside the pepper. Using uncooked rice could result in a chewy texture or undercooked centers.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the meat for a hearty combination of beans, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth to keep all the delicious flavors alive. Adding extra spices and herbs will provide plenty of depth.
What can I do if my peppers won’t stand upright?
If your peppers are uneven at the base, carefully slice a thin piece off the bottom to create a flat surface so they stand upright during baking. Just be gentle not to cut through completely.
Is this recipe freezer friendly before or after baking?
You can freeze the stuffed peppers both before and after baking. If freezing raw, assemble the peppers and wrap tightly, baking them straight from frozen with some extra cooking time. If freezing cooked, simply reheat as directed.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly wonderful about The Best Stuffed Peppers Recipe that makes it a satisfying and soul-warming meal, perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner for two, this recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch your friends and family fall in love bite after vibrant bite.
Print
The Best Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic stuffed peppers recipe features colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef or turkey, seasoned rice, diced tomatoes, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, these stuffed peppers make a hearty and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 6 bell peppers (any color)
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 ¼ cups uncooked white rice, cooked
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 8 oz can tomato sauce (¾ cup)
- ¾ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (¼ cup set aside for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set the prepared peppers aside for stuffing.
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the skillet with the meat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and releases its flavor.
- Add Rice and Tomatoes: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes with juices, and tomato sauce. Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Stuff Peppers: Use a spoon to stuff each prepared bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it tightly to ensure they hold together during baking. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the stuffed peppers hot. Optionally garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs for added presentation and flavor.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Make sure to cook the rice before adding it to the filling mixture to ensure proper texture.
- Bell peppers can be any color: red, yellow, green, or orange depending on your preference and availability.
- Covering the dish with foil during the initial baking phase helps to keep the peppers moist.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
