Bright & Bold: Colorful Stuffed Peppers with Rice Recipe

When summer’s bounty brings vibrant bell peppers bursting with colorful stuffed peppers with rice, culinary magic happens in the kitchen.

Fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs create a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

These peppers aren’t just a meal; they’re a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients.

Tender rice mingles with savory ground meat, creating a delightful texture in every bite.

Spices add depth and warmth to this classic dish that works perfectly for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Each pepper becomes a little treasure chest of deliciousness, waiting to be discovered.

Let this recipe transform your dinner into a memorable feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Stuffed Peppers with Rice

• Bell Peppers: Vibrant vessels for the delicious filling, choose firm peppers without blemishes or soft spots for best texture and presentation.

• Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic: Rich protein foundation that creates deep savory flavor, select lean ground beef for healthier option and fresh aromatics for maximum taste.
• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing ingredients smoothly and adding subtle richness to the meat mixture.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Oregano: Spice blend that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal, use fresh herbs and high-quality spices for maximum flavor impact.
• Rice: Hearty grain that adds substance and absorbs delicious cooking juices, choose long-grain white rice for best texture.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and tangy brightness, opt for no-salt-added varieties for better flavor control.

• Shredded Cheese: Creamy topping that adds luxurious melted layer, select mild cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for classic appeal.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Bright garnish that adds fresh herbal note and visual appeal, chop just before serving to maintain vibrant color and aroma.

Gear You’ll Need for Stuffed Peppers with Rice

• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, garlic, and browning ground beef with even heat distribution.
• Baking Dish: Holds peppers upright and allows even cooking in the oven.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing pepper tops and removing seeds cleanly.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix and stir filling ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning measurements.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers peppers during initial baking to prevent burning.

Steps to Make Stuffed Peppers with Rice

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375F and give a quick spray of cooking oil to your baking dish. This sets the stage for some delicious pepper magic.

• Prep Those Beautiful Peppers

Chop off the pepper tops and scoop out the seeds. Stand them up proud in your baking dish, ready for their flavor adventure.

• Create the Savory Filling

Sizzle onions and garlic in a skillet until they’re soft and fragrant. Toss in ground beef, breaking it into tiny pieces, and cook until it’s beautifully browned. Sprinkle in your favorite spices to make the meat sing with flavor.

• Blend Ingredients Together

Mix in cooked rice, juicy tomatoes, and a splash of tomato sauce. Let everything bubble together for a few minutes, creating a mouthwatering mixture.

• Stuff and Top the Peppers

Carefully spoon the delicious filling into each pepper. Crown them with a dollop of tomato sauce and a generous sprinkle of cheese.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil for the final 10 minutes to let the cheese get golden and bubbly.

• Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh herbs and serve these gorgeous stuffed peppers hot. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Helpful Tips to Elevate Stuffed Peppers with Rice

• Quick Stuffing Mastery: Pack the filling gently into peppers without pressing too hard to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that cuts down on carbohydrates without losing flavor intensity.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu to create a plant-based protein-packed alternative that's equally delicious.
• Cheese Lover's Hack: Experiment with different cheese varieties like feta, mozzarella, or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles and elevate the dish's richness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Peppers with Rice

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Arrange the stuffed peppers on a large platter surrounded by extra fresh herbs, creating a beautiful and inviting main course that draws everyone to the table.
• Protein-Packed Companion Sides: Pair with a light Greek salad or quinoa tabbouleh to balance the hearty meat and rice filling, adding freshness and additional nutrition to the meal.
• Cheese Lover's Dream Topping: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or crumbled feta on top just before serving for an indulgent twist that elevates the flavor profile and adds creamy texture.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Slice cold stuffed peppers and tuck into whole wheat wraps with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a delicious next-day lunch that's easy to pack and enjoy.

Storage Tips for Keeping Peppers Tasty

• Refrigeration Revival: Transfer leftover stuffed peppers to airtight containers, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Wrap individual peppers in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before freezing. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven to restore original texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare filling and peppers in advance, storing components separately. Assemble and bake when ready to serve, keeping ingredients crisp and preventing soggy bottoms.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm refrigerated peppers in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of tomato sauce or water to maintain moisture and restore just-baked deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Colorful Stuffed Peppers With Rice Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired easy stuffed peppers with rice bring a zesty dinner solution to your table. Colorful bell peppers filled with seasoned rice, ground beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (225g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (200g) cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly oil a baking dish. Trim bell peppers, removing seeds and membranes, then position upright in the dish.
2. Aromatic Base: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent, releasing their fragrant essence.
3. Meat Transformation: Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it down and browning thoroughly. Infuse with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano, creating a robust flavor profile.
4. Filling Assembly: Integrate cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the meat mixture. Simmer briefly to allow flavors to harmonize and meld together.
5. Pepper Stuffing: Carefully fill each bell pepper with the savory meat and rice mixture, ensuring an even distribution of the delectable filling.
6. Cheese Embellishment: Optional – top peppers with additional tomato sauce and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra richness.
7. Baking Process: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, creating a steamy environment that gently cooks the peppers.
8. Final Crisping: Remove foil and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing peppers to become tender and cheese to achieve a golden, bubbling finish.
9. Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Present immediately while the stuffed peppers are warm and invitingly aromatic.

Notes

• Select Pepper Varieties: Choose bell peppers with sturdy, upright walls that can hold filling without collapsing, preferably medium to large sizes with uniform shapes.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Pat peppers dry after washing and pre-roast them slightly before stuffing to reduce excess moisture and enhance structural integrity.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives like lentils or quinoa for dietary flexibility and diverse flavor profiles.
• Balance Moisture Levels: If mixture seems dry, add a splash of broth or extra tomato sauce to maintain juiciness without making filling watery.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg