Hey there, fellow food lovers! Let me tell you, stuffed peppers are one of my absolute favorite go-to dinners, especially on those busy weeknights when I need something quick yet delicious. Seriously, there’s just something so comforting about those vibrant peppers filled to the brim with a savory beef and rice mixture. The colors pop, the flavors meld together beautifully, and the best part? They’re super simple to make!

Picture this: you’ve had a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Well, with this easy stuffed peppers dinner recipe, you can whip up a wholesome meal in no time. Plus, you can customize the filling however you like! Whether you’re in the mood for classic beef or want to get creative with veggies or spices, these peppers have got your back. Trust me, your family will devour them and ask for seconds!

So, roll up your sleeves, grab those colorful bell peppers, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful stuffed peppers. Make sure to gather everything before you start, so you can keep the cooking flow going!

• 4 bell peppers: Choose any color you like—red, yellow, green, or orange. They all bring a unique sweetness to the dish!
• 1 cup cooked rice: You can use white, brown, or even leftover rice from another meal. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled down a bit.
• 1 pound ground beef: Lean ground beef works best for a flavorful filling. You want it to be fully cooked, so no pink should remain.
• 1 can diced tomatoes: This adds moisture and a nice tang to the filling. You can use seasoned ones if you want to kick up the flavor!
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that lovely garlic flavor without the fuss of chopping. It blends in perfectly!
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: This gives a nice depth of flavor. If you love onions, feel free to add some fresh chopped onions too!
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all those yummy flavors.
• 1 teaspoon pepper: A little kick to balance the sweetness of the peppers.
• 1 cup shredded cheese: I love using cheddar, but mozzarella or a blend works great too! This is the gooey goodness on top that makes everything better.

How to Prepare Stuffed Peppers Dinner

Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making those delicious stuffed peppers! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous dinner on the table in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your stuffed peppers cook evenly. No one wants a half-cooked pepper, right? So, let that oven warm up while you get everything else ready!

Prepare the Bell Peppers

Next up, grab those beautiful bell peppers! Cut the tops off (about an inch or so) and carefully remove the seeds. You can use a small knife or even your hands for this—just be gentle! Trust me, using a variety of colors not only makes the dish look stunning, but each color has its own unique flavor. Plus, who doesn’t love a rainbow on their plate?

Cook the Ground Beef

Now it’s time to get that beef sizzling! In a pan over medium heat, add your ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. This usually takes about 7–10 minutes. Make sure you break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. You want to make sure there’s no pink left—nobody wants undercooked meat in their stuffed peppers!

Combine the Filling Ingredients

Once your beef is cooked, it’s time to mix in the fun stuff! Add in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This step allows all those flavors to marry together beautifully. Trust me, the aroma will be heavenly!

Stuff the Peppers

Now comes the best part—stuffing those peppers! Take a generous scoop of your filling and pack it into each pepper. Don’t be shy; fill them up! A little overflow is totally fine and adds to the charm. Just make sure they’re packed in there nicely, so they hold their shape while baking.

Bake the Stuffed Peppers

Place your stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. It’s okay if they’re a bit snug; they’ll be just fine! Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. This helps them steam and get that tender texture we all love.

Add Cheese and Finish Baking

After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for that steam!). Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each pepper. Oh yes, cheese makes everything better! Pop them back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and get all gooey and delicious. Yum!

Cool and Serve

Once they’re out of the oven, let your stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. This is the hardest part, I know! But it gives the filling a chance to settle a bit. Serve them up as they are, or with a side salad for a complete meal. Everyone will be so excited to dig in—you’ll see!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick prep time means dinner is ready in just about 50 minutes!
• Simple cooking steps make it perfect for beginner cooks—no fancy techniques required!
• Flavorful filling that combines savory beef, fragrant spices, and juicy tomatoes.
• Healthy and satisfying meal packed with nutrients from bell peppers and lean protein.
• Customizable to your taste—switch up the meat, add veggies, or try different cheeses!
• Great for meal prep; leftovers are just as delicious the next day!
• Visually appealing with a rainbow of colors, making it a hit at the dinner table!

Tips for Success

Alright, my fellow cooks, here are some pro tips to ensure your stuffed peppers turn out absolutely perfect every single time!

• Check for Doneness: To make sure your peppers are cooked just right, pierce them with a fork. They should be tender but still hold their shape. If they’re too firm, give them a little more time in the oven.
• Experiment with Fillings: Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or even go vegetarian with black beans and corn. The possibilities are endless!
• Add More Veggies: If you want to pack in even more nutrition, feel free to toss in some chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the filling. Just sauté them with the beef for extra flavor.
• Cheese Options: While I love cheddar, you can try feta for a tangy twist or pepper jack for some spice! Mixing different cheeses can also add a nice depth of flavor.
• Pre-cook the Peppers (Optional): If you prefer your peppers extra soft, you can blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes before stuffing. This will give them a head start on cooking!
• Save Leftovers: If you have any filling left over, don’t toss it! You can use it in tacos, over rice, or even as a topping for nachos. Waste not, want not!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a stuffed pepper pro in no time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional goodness packed into each delicious stuffed pepper. Knowing what’s in your meal can be super helpful, especially if you’re watching your dietary intake. So, let’s dive in!

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 20g

This means you’re getting a hearty meal that’s not only satisfying but also loaded with protein and veggies. Perfect for a healthy dinner option! Enjoy every flavorful bite knowing it’s good for you too!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative, and you can even go meatless with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

What if I don’t have cooked rice?
No worries! You can use quinoa, couscous, or even orzo as a replacement. Just make sure whatever grain you use is cooked before mixing it with the filling.

Can I prepare the stuffed peppers in advance?
Yes, you can prep the peppers ahead of time! Stuff them and store them covered in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready for dinner!

How do I know when the peppers are done?
You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork. If you prefer them a bit softer, just give them a little extra time in the oven.

Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Definitely! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What can I serve with stuffed peppers?
Stuffed peppers are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a fresh salad, some crusty bread, or even a side of roasted veggies for a complete meal!

What if I have leftover filling?
If you have extra filling, don’t toss it! You can use it in tacos, over nachos, or as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s too good to waste!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made these delicious stuffed peppers and now you have some leftovers? No problem! Storing and reheating them properly will keep them tasting just as good as when they first came out of the oven.

To store your stuffed peppers, let them cool completely to room temperature first. Then, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze them! Just wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for about 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them without losing that tasty goodness:

• From the fridge: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover them with foil to keep them moist. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until heated through. You can even add a bit of extra cheese on top before popping them in for that melty goodness!
• From the freezer: Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, follow the same reheating instructions as above. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them, but be careful not to overcook! Just heat in short bursts until warm.

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a delicious meal ready to go whenever you need it. Enjoy every last bite of those stuffed peppers!

Stuffed Peppers Dinner: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A simple and delicious recipe for stuffed peppers, perfect for dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
4. Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef.
5. Mix everything well and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Stuff the mixture into each bell pepper.
7. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use any color of bell peppers you like.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling.
• Make sure the beef is fully cooked before mixing.
• Check for doneness by piercing the peppers with a fork.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: stuffed peppers dinner, easy stuffed peppers, healthy dinner recipe