Irresistible Flavor-Packed Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Cheese Recipe

Culinary magic happens when vibrant bell peppers meet a savory rice and cheese filling that dances with incredible flavor.

peppers transform into edible vessels of pure deliciousness in this simple yet remarkable dish.

Comfort food meets gourmet creativity through a recipe that packs serious punch.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these stuffed peppers deliver with minimal effort.

Colorful ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Bold spices and melted cheese create a symphony of taste that satisfies every craving.

Let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Flavor-Packed Stuffed Bell Peppers Keep Everyone Coming Back

Conquer Weeknight Cooking: Effortless Stuffed Peppers Make Dinner Shine

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal steps transform basic ingredients into a complete meal within 45 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious dinners without extensive kitchen time.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping proteins, using different cheeses, or adding unique spices, making it adaptable for various dietary preferences and taste expectations.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Balanced nutritional profile combines protein, vegetables, and grains in one attractive dish that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone enjoys mealtime together.
• One-Pan Convenience: Streamlined cooking method requires just a skillet and baking dish, minimizing cleanup and reducing kitchen stress while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Stuffed Bell Peppers (Flavor-Packed) Ingredients

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Hearty protein base for the filling, choose lean cuts for less fat, ground meat provides rich flavor and texture.

• Rice: Filling base that adds substance, fluffy texture enhances overall dish, white or brown rice work well.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful edible vessel for stuffing, support nutrition and presentation, choose firm peppers without blemishes.
• Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth, helps build foundational flavor profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Moisture and tanginess for filling, adds brightness to overall dish.
• Garlic Powder: Convenient spice that provides consistent garlic flavor.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that adds richness, creates golden brown crust.

• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky undertone, enhances meat flavor.
• Oregano: Classic herb that provides Mediterranean touch.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.

• Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth: Keeps peppers moist during baking, adds subtle flavor.
• Olive Oil: Light coating for peppers, helps with browning.

• Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh herb topping for brightness and color.

Stuffed Peppers Assembly Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 375°F.

This temperature ensures your peppers will cook perfectly and develop a beautiful golden color.

Step 2: Prepare Bell Peppers

Gently brush the outside of bell peppers with olive oil to help them develop a beautiful sheen.

Stand them upright in a baking dish, ready for their flavor transformation.

Step 3: Create Savory Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground meat until it’s nicely crumbled.

• Ground beef or turkey
• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Add in your flavor boosters like diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices.

Let everything simmer and meld together for a few minutes, creating an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Mix Rice and Cheese

• Cooked rice
• Shredded cheese

Stir until everything is beautifully combined and looks super appetizing.

Step 5: Fill the Peppers

Generously spoon the mixture into each bell pepper.

Pour chicken or vegetable broth around the peppers to keep them moist and tender during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

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

Bake for 30 minutes.

Then uncover, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Serve these mouth-watering stuffed peppers immediately while they’re hot and cheesy.

Smart Tricks for Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Choose ground turkey or lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess fat and create a healthier stuffed pepper dish without sacrificing flavor.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase fiber content and add more nutritional value to the filling.
• Pat bell peppers dry after washing and brush with olive oil to help maintain their structural integrity and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Experiment with different spice combinations like cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika to create unique taste variations that suit your palate.
• Prepare stuffed peppers in advance, cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.

Saving Stuffed Bell Peppers for Later

• Store leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, they'll maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Adding a splash of broth prevents drying.
• For quick reheating, place a pepper on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until steaming hot, stirring halfway through.

What Goes With Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Savor Southwestern Wine Pairing: Zesty Spanish Tempranillo complements the smoky paprika and rich beef flavors, creating a bold taste experience that dances on your palate.
• Match Mediterranean Herb Sidekick: Fresh Greek tzatziki offers cool, tangy contrast to the warm, hearty stuffed peppers, balancing the dish's robust spices with creamy texture.
• Create Bright Veggie Companion: Crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness, adding zingy freshness that lifts the entire meal's flavor profile.
• Enhance Craft Beer Option: Amber ale with slight caramel undertones provides a malty complement that stands up to the ground meat and melted cheese, creating a satisfying hearty combination.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Mix-In Options

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth and add extra mushrooms for depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced zucchini. Use lean ground chicken or turkey and reduce total carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap smoked paprika for oregano. Include fresh herbs like mint and parsley for bright Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of bell peppers for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use red, yellow, green, or orange bell peppers. Each color adds a slightly different flavor and nutritional profile to the dish.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. These options provide protein and maintain the dish’s hearty texture.

• What if I don't have all the spices listed in the recipe?

No worries! You can substitute with similar spices or use a pre-mixed Italian seasoning blend. The key is to maintain a balance of flavors that complement the bell peppers and filling.

• Can I prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the peppers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Flavor-Packed Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-style stuffed bell peppers merge zesty spices and wholesome ingredients into a comforting meal. Melted cheese, seasoned rice, and savory ground beef create a delicious harmony you’ll crave for dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed

Protein:

• 1/2 pound (225 grams) ground beef or turkey

Grains and Rice:

• 1 cup (200 grams) cooked rice (white or brown)

Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced onion
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Liquids and Additions:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley or cilantro

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Instructions

1. Prepare a culinary canvas by heating the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect environment for transforming bell peppers into a savory masterpiece.
2. Gently massage the exterior of bell peppers with a light coating of olive oil, positioning them upright in a baking vessel to await their delicious transformation.
3. Ignite a skillet over medium heat, introducing ground protein and coaxing it to a golden-brown state while meticulously fragmenting the meat. Incorporate diced onions, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence.
4. Elevate the flavor profile by introducing a symphony of seasonings: diced tomatoes, concentrated tomato paste, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow these ingredients to meld and intensify for a brief moment.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in perfectly cooked rice, blending it with a generous portion of shredded cheese until the mixture achieves a harmonious consistency.
6. Carefully spoon the flavorful mixture into the prepared bell peppers, creating a vibrant and substantial filling. Introduce broth to the baking dish, ensuring the peppers remain succulent during their culinary journey.
7. Drape the dish with foil, allowing the peppers to bake and develop depth for 30 minutes. Unveil the peppers, crown them with remaining cheese, and return to the oven for a final 10-minute transformation.
8. Present the stuffed peppers adorned with fresh parsley or cilantro, a verdant garnish that adds a final touch of freshness to this comforting dish.

Notes

• Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that keeps protein high and flavor robust.
• Choose bell peppers in different colors to create a visually stunning dish that adds nutritional variety and makes the meal more appealing.
• Prepare filling ahead of time and store in refrigerator for quick weeknight assembly, saving precious cooking time without compromising taste.
• Add extra heat by mixing in diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicier kick to their stuffed peppers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg