Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Wholesome and Flavorful Meal

Bright, colorful, and packed with cheesy goodness, these Stuffed Bell Peppers are a complete meal in one! Filled with a hearty mixture of seasoned meat, rice, and flavorful spices, then topped with melted cheese, they’re perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for guests. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (any combination of red, yellow, orange, or green)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground chicken, beef, or turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or marinara
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prep the Peppers: Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the peppers with olive oil inside and out.
3. Pre-Bake the Peppers: Place the peppers in a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes to soften slightly. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Filling

1. Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned and fully cooked.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Mix in the Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

3. Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill the Peppers: Spoon the prepared filling into each bell pepper, pressing it down gently to pack.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the stuffed peppers.

4. Bake the Peppers

1. Bake Until Golden: Return the peppers to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a Side Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad or coleslaw for a fresh contrast.
• Add a Side Dish: Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Top It Off: Add sour cream, avocado slices, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers

• Use Firm Peppers: Choose firm, evenly shaped bell peppers to ensure even cooking and easy stuffing.
• Make It Ahead: Prep the filling and peppers ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready.
• Customize the Filling: Add black beans, corn, or diced zucchini for added texture and nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers are versatile, easy to customize, and packed with nutrients. They’re a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal while delivering bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a winner!

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until heated through.
• Freeze: Wrap individual stuffed peppers in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with black beans, chickpeas, or lentils for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
• Low-Carb Twist: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to make it keto-friendly.

Enjoy these Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers for dinner tonight! Their vibrant colors, savory filling, and melted cheese topping are guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Share your own twists and favorite toppings for this classic dish!