Why Make This Recipe
Stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic choice for dinner. They are tasty, colorful, and healthy. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. You can also customize the filling to fit your family's tastes. Plus, this dish is a great way to get some veggies on your plate!
How to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Making stuffed bell peppers is simple. Here's how you can do it, step by step.
Ingredients:
- 7 large bell peppers
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1½ cups cooked brown rice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
- Garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper (to taste)
Directions:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure your oven is ready when you are.
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Prepare the Bell Peppers: Take the bell peppers and cut off the tops. Remove the seeds and any white parts inside. You want them hollowed out for the filling.
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Cook the Onions: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
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Add Garlic and Beef: Once the onion looks good, add minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute. Then, mix in the lean ground beef. Cook it until it is browned, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat if there's too much.
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Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the cooked brown rice, canned diced tomatoes (including the liquid), oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 4-5 minutes to get everything warmed through and combined.
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Stuff the Peppers: Take each bell pepper and stuff it with the meat and rice mixture. Place them upright in a baking dish.
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Bake the Peppers: Bake the stuffed peppers in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They should be tender but still holding their shape.
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Add Cheese: After baking, pull them out and sprinkle shredded cheddar jack cheese on top. Put them back in the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts.
How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
You can serve the stuffed bell peppers hot right out of the oven. They look beautiful on a plate. You might want to offer a side salad or some crusty bread to go with them, as they are filling but pairing them with something fresh adds a nice touch.
How to Store Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
If you have leftovers, you can store them easily. Place the stuffed peppers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They will last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Tips to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Choose Colorful Peppers: Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a beautiful presentation.
- Add Your Favorites: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like corn, black beans, or even cooked quinoa for variety.
- Top with Fresh Ingredients: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top after they come out of the oven for extra flavor.
Variation
You can easily switch up the filling. Instead of beef, try using ground turkey or chicken. You can also make a vegetarian version by using beans and extra vegetables instead of meat.
FAQs
Can I use other grains instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can use quinoa, white rice, or even couscous if you prefer.
Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. Just bake them when you're ready to eat.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like spicy food, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar jack for a little kick!
Conclusion
Easy stuffed bell peppers are a delicious meal that anyone can make. They are flexible, healthy, and fun to eat. With just a few simple steps, you can have a colorful dish that your family will love. They are perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this dish with your loved ones!
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 7 pieces large bell peppers Choose a mix of colors for variety
- 1 pound lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
- 1.5 cups cooked brown rice Can substitute with quinoa or white rice if desired
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned) Include the liquid
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese Can substitute with pepper jack cheese for spice
- to taste garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper Adjust seasonings as per preference
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut off the tops of the bell peppers, remove the seeds and white parts.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, then mix in the lean ground beef and cook until browned.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes (with liquid), oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture and place in a baking dish.
Cooking
- Bake the stuffed peppers for 10-12 minutes until tender, then sprinkle cheese on top.
- Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.
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