Stuffed Peppers

Welcome to your new favorite comfort food recipe, stuffed peppers that are hearty, cheesy, and brimming with savory flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to share with loved ones, these vibrant, colorful bell peppers deliver a comforting experience that feels homemade and satisfying. Made with simple ingredients like lean ground beef, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and warm spices, they bring both nourishment and nostalgia to the table.

Stuffed peppers are one of those meals that feel fancy without any fuss. They’re incredibly adaptable too, making them ideal for busy weeknights or prep-ahead dinners. And with this step-by-step guide, even beginner home cooks can whip up a dish that looks straight out of a magazine, while only using pantry staples and fresh produce.

Stuffed Peppers

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• Author: Chef Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 stuffed pepper halves 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These classic stuffed peppers are packed with savory ground beef, tomato sauce, tender grains, and bubbling cheese—perfect for a cozy family dinner.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
• 1¼ tsp salt, divided
• Heaping ¼ tsp baking soda
• 3 large red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, halved and cored
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice or grain
• 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar Jack cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 425°F and line a 9×13-inch dish with foil.
2. Tenderize Beef: Mix beef with salt and baking soda. Let rest 20 minutes.
3. Prep Peppers: Place cut peppers in dish, drizzle with oil, and roast 20 mins.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Cook onion and garlic in oil until soft.
5. Cook Beef: Add beef mixture, spices, and brown until nearly done.
6. Add Sauce & Grain: Stir in tomato sauce and cooked rice; mix in cheese.
7. Stuff & Roast: Fill peppers, top with cheese, and bake 10–15 mins more.

Notes

You can make and store these up to 3 months ahead, making dinner a breeze. Swap proteins, grains, or cheeses as desired.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Dishes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pepper half
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 630mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Key Benefits of Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers aren’t just delicious, they’re practical, customizable, and packed with goodness. Here’s why they’ve become a staple in so many American kitchens:

• Balanced Nutrition: Each pepper is like a self-contained meal, combining protein from ground beef, complex carbs from rice or grains, and fiber and vitamins from the bell peppers themselves. It’s a one-dish dinner that keeps your plate, and your body, balanced.
• Simple Prep: You don’t need special equipment or fancy techniques. The recipe walks you through prepping the peppers, making the filling, and roasting everything to bubbly perfection in just a few easy steps.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These peppers are ideal for making ahead. You can prep and refrigerate or freeze them without compromising taste or texture. Just pop them back in the oven, and dinner is done.
• Versatile Flavors: Whether you prefer the sweetness of red and yellow peppers or love the earthy flavor of green, you can mix and match to suit your mood. Plus, it’s easy to swap the grain or cheese to match your dietary preferences.

If you’re a cheese lover, you might also enjoy our guide to Pepper Jack Cheese or explore the creamy depths of Havarti Cheese Heaven, perfect companions to your stuffed pepper obsession.

Ingredients for Stuffed Peppers

Here’s your go-to list for crafting stuffed peppers that are packed with flavor and cozy charm:

• 1 pound 90% lean ground beef, Flavorful but not greasy
• 1¼ teaspoons salt, divided, To season the meat and peppers
• Heaping ¼ teaspoon baking soda, Tenderizes the beef as it sits
• 3 large bell peppers (choose red, yellow, or orange), sliced lengthwise and cleaned out
• 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, softens the peppers as they roast and adds a rich, smooth finish
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, Brings a sweet base flavor
• 3 cloves garlic, minced, For bold aromatic depth
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder, Adds warmth
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin, For a smoky touch
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, which adds a gentle herbal depth
• 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce, blends everything in the filling and adds a mellow, savory base
• 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or any grain, Offers structure and substance
• 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar Jack cheese, Melty, comforting finish

This is the kind of recipe where pantry staples meet vibrant produce, and where everything works in harmony for rich, comforting results.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Stuffed Peppers

1. Preheat and Prepare: Get the oven ready by heating it to 425°F and place the rack in the middle. If you want less mess, line a 9×13-inch pan with foil.
2. Soften the Beef: In a bowl, mix ground beef with 1 teaspoon salt and baking soda. Let sit for 20 minutes to tenderize.
3. Roast the Peppers: Arrange the pepper halves with the open sides facing up in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt. Roast for 20 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Cook the onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and stir for one more minute, careful not to brown it.
5. Brown the Beef: Add the beef mixture, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Keep cooking the meat, stirring often, until it turns brown and is almost fully cooked, about 4 to 5 minutes.
6. Add Sauce and Grains: Pour in the tomato sauce and let it bubble gently as you stir everything together. Simmer for a couple of minutes, then add the cooked rice and ¾ cup cheese. Stir until creamy.
7. Final Step: Spoon the hearty filling into each pepper, top them off with the remaining cheese, and return the pan to the oven until everything’s hot and melty. Roast for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Your kitchen will smell incredible, and the results are visually stunning!

Pro Tips and Variations for Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are wonderfully flexible. Here’s how to make them your own or make them even better:

• Cheese Swap: Try using Colby Jack, smoked mozzarella, or even Gorgonzola cheese for a bolder flavor twist.
• Make It Vegetarian: Replace the beef with black beans, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for a hearty plant-based option.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the rice and add chopped cauliflower or zucchini for a keto-friendly option.
• Freezer Friendly: These freeze beautifully. Just wrap them up tightly and label for up to three months.
• Use a Cheese Blend: Mix Monterey Jack with cheddar or pepper jack for added richness and a bit of spice.

Want more cheesy ideas? Try pairing these with our Cheeseburger Bowl for a bold, beefy weeknight lineup.

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are hearty on their own, but you can round out the meal with these cozy, crowd-pleasing ideas:

• With a Fresh Side Salad: Something crisp like arugula with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
• On a Grain Bed: Serve over quinoa or farro to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Alongside Roasted Veggies: Roasted carrots or sweet potatoes pair beautifully with the mild spice of the filling.
• With a Cheese-Centric Side: Complement your peppers with Wisconsin Cheese Soup or even a dollop of Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip on the side.
• For Brunch or Lunch: Reheat a pepper and top with a fried egg, it’s savory, satisfying, and unexpectedly perfect for brunch.

These stuffed peppers are the kind of dish that fit into any meal plan, from cozy winter dinners to sunny potlucks.

Trasted Resources on Stuffed Peppers

1. Learn about the impressive nutritional benefits of red bell peppers, including their high vitamin A and C content, from the reputable Cleveland Clinic site.
2. Discover how eating different colored bell peppers regularly can support eye health, digestion, and immune function, in this detailed overview by Eating Well.
3. Explore the health perks of green bell peppers, such as fiber, vitamin B6, and gut and heart support, on Healthline’s authoritative nutrition guide.
4. Read about how bell peppers’ antioxidants and phytonutrients help reduce inflammation, anemia risk, and oxidative damage at Health.com.

Conclusion

Stuffed peppers are the kind of nostalgic, cozy meal that never goes out of style, and for good reason. They’re healthy, hearty, and full of flavor, plus they’re easy enough for a busy weekday and impressive enough for guests. With minimal prep and flexible ingredients, they make joyful, fuss-free cooking a breeze.

Whether you’re doubling up for the freezer or playing with new variations, this recipe is built for comfort, creativity, and convenience. At Recipes2Gather, we believe in sharing dishes that bring people together, and these stuffed peppers do just that.

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