Easy Stuffed Peppers Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, hearty dish that brings together vibrant vegetables and savory meat. Easy Stuffed Peppers are not just a feast for the eyes with their array of colors; they’re also a wholesome, satisfying meal packed with flavor and nutrition. This recipe features bell peppers in shades of red, yellow, and green, stuffed with a delicious mixture of lean ground beef, rice, and plenty of other tasty ingredients. Let’s dive into this delightful dish that’s easy to make and sure to please the entire family.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Easy Stuffed Peppers are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs. They are perfect for meal prepping, can be made ahead of time, and are even freezer-friendly. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, making this dish a staple in your recipe rotation. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this will become a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends!
What Goes Into Easy Stuffed Peppers Recipe
To create these tasty stuffed peppers, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 bell peppers (any variety: red, yellow, green, or orange)
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 tsp salt
- 14 oz. petite diced tomatoes
- 8 oz. tomato sauce, divided
- 1 cup shredded zucchini
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor, making this dish a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Setup & Equipment
Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools and equipment:
- Large skillet – for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the stuffing ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping vegetables.
- Baking dish – to hold the stuffed peppers as they bake.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the dish while baking.
Having everything ready will make the cooking process much smoother.
Easy Stuffed Peppers Recipe — Do This Next
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making these delightful stuffed peppers.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your peppers will bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Peppers
While the oven is preheating, wash the bell peppers and slice the tops off. Remove the seeds and membranes inside, creating a hollow space for the filling. Set them aside in a baking dish.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
To the skillet with the beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent. Stir in the cooked rice, salt, petite diced tomatoes, shredded zucchini, Italian seasoning, and half of the tomato sauce. Mix everything well until combined.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Using a spoon, fill each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture. Pack it in tightly, and if you have leftover filling, you can put it around the peppers in the baking dish.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese
Drizzle the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each pepper for a gooey, delicious finish.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and enjoy the colorful and flavorful Easy Stuffed Peppers!
Make It Fit Your Plan
These Easy Stuffed Peppers are adaptable to fit various dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute lean ground beef with black beans or lentils and add more vegetables.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Grain-Free Option: Omit the rice entirely and pack in more vegetables or quinoa.
- Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or chili powder for a bit of heat.
Feel free to get creative with the filling to suit your tastes!
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues while preparing your Easy Stuffed Peppers, here are some helpful tips:
- If your peppers are too crunchy after baking, cover them with foil for the last few minutes to allow them to steam.
- For a less watery filling, make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well before adding them to the mixture.
- If you have too much filling left over, consider using it as a topping for enchiladas or in a Mexican bean dip.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
Easy Stuffed Peppers are perfect for meal prepping! You can make a batch in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Ask the Chef
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used as alternatives to lean ground beef. Each option will bring a unique flavor to the dish.
How do I know when the peppers are done cooking?
The peppers should be tender, and the cheese should be bubbly and golden. You can also check the filling with a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed peppers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
What can I serve with stuffed peppers?
Stuffed peppers pair well with a side salad, garlic bread, or even some Cilantro Lime Rice to complement the flavors.
One Pan, More Ideas
If you love this Easy Stuffed Peppers recipe, you might also enjoy:
- Beef Enchiladas – A delightful twist on traditional enchiladas with rich flavors.
- Mexican Bean Dip – Perfect for parties or as a snack.
Wrap-Up
These Easy Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and nutritious way to bring a little color and flavor to your dinner table. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they are a family-friendly meal that can be customized to suit any palate. Plus, they make for excellent leftovers, so you can enjoy them throughout the week. What are you waiting for? Grab those bell peppers and get cooking!
Easy Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Wash the bell peppers and slice the tops off. Remove seeds and membranes, then set aside in a baking dish.
- Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Step 4: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until onion is translucent. Stir in rice, salt, tomatoes, zucchini, and seasoning, and mix well.
- Step 5: Fill each bell pepper with the beef mixture, packing it tightly. Place any leftover filling around the peppers in the baking dish.
- Step 6: Drizzle remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Step 7: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 8: Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- These stuffed peppers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For freezing, wrap cooled peppers individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
