Stuffed Peppers Recipe – recipesshubb

Stuffed Peppers Recipe – Classic, Hearty, and Flavorful

Stuffed peppers are a timeless comfort dish made with colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of seasoned meat, rice, and tomato sauce, then baked until tender. This versatile recipe is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Whether served as a main dish or paired with a simple salad, stuffed peppers deliver balanced flavor, satisfying texture, and wholesome ingredients in every bite.

Ingredients

6 medium bell peppers (any color)
500 g (1 lb) ground beef or turkey
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Time and Temperature

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Oven Temperature

190°C (375°F)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).

Wash the bell peppers, cut off the tops, and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers upright in a baking dish. Finely chop the pepper tops and set aside to add to the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Stir in chopped pepper tops, cooked rice, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the filling evenly into the prepared peppers, packing lightly but not tightly.

If using cheese, sprinkle it over the tops of the peppers.

Pour a small amount of water or tomato sauce into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent burning.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until peppers are tender and tops are lightly browned.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables
Pair with crusty bread or garlic bread
Add a spoon of sour cream or yogurt on top

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat in the oven at 170°C (340°F) or in the microwave
Stuffed peppers freeze well for up to 2 months

Tips for Best Results

Use peppers that can stand upright
Pre-cook rice to avoid excess moisture
Don’t overstuff the peppers
Covering during baking prevents drying out

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils, beans, or mushrooms
Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice
Mexican-style: Add cumin, chili powder, and corn
Cheesy: Mix cheese into the filling as well as on top

Conclusion

Stuffed peppers are a classic dish that combines simple ingredients into a comforting, nutritious meal. Easy to customize and perfect for leftovers, this recipe is a reliable favorite for home cooks of all skill levels.