baked stuffed peppers recipe

The Best baked stuffed peppers recipe

I’ve been making baked stuffed peppers for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. The combination of tender peppers, flavorful rice, and savory ground beef is a winner in our household.

I love how easy it is to customize the filling with whatever ingredients you like, from diced tomatoes to chopped spinach. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion – it’s just that good!

My kids devour these peppers, and I’m always happy to see them eating something so healthy and delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to get them involved in cooking by letting them help with the filling and assembly.

Baked stuffed peppers are also an excellent way to use up leftover rice and ground beef – just toss them in with some additional spices and you’re good to go. I’ve served these peppers at family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a comforting meal when we’re feeling under the weather.

They’re just one of those recipes that never goes wrong.

Baked Stuffed Peppers

4.9 from 1458 votes

This hearty baked stuffed peppers recipe features bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and vegetables, then baked to perfection. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stuffing

1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small zucchini, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Peppers

4 large bell peppers, any color, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
Set aside.
3Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5Drain excess fat.
6Add the chopped onion, zucchini, and minced garlic to the skillet.
7Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
8Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), cooked rice, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
9Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the mixture is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
10Place the bell pepper halves in a baking dish.
11Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper half, pressing down gently to fill them completely.
12Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the stuffed peppers.
13Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
14Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. You can also add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers to the stuffing mixture.

Watch Video Of How Baked Stuffed Peppers Works

Baked stuffed peppers are always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event. They’re easy to make ahead of time and can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.

My family loves them because they’re so flavorful and fun to eat. And as an added bonus, they’re relatively healthy compared to many other comfort foods out there.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Stuffed Peppers

Q: What type of peppers work best for this recipe?

A: You can use any color bell pepper you like – green, red, yellow, or orange – they all work beautifully in this recipe.

Q: Can I use frozen rice instead of freshly cooked?

A: Yes, you can use frozen rice as a substitute for freshly cooked rice in this recipe. Just thaw it out according to the package instructions before using.

Q: How do I keep the peppers from becoming too brown during baking?

A: To prevent the peppers from becoming too brown during baking, you can cover the dish with foil for part of the cooking time or try using a lower oven temperature.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.

Q: Do I need to adjust the cooking time if I’m using smaller or larger peppers?

A: Yes, if you’re using smaller or larger peppers than the ones called for in the recipe, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Just keep an eye on them until they’re tender.

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