Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Enjoy a colorful and nutritious meal with these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Stuffed bell peppers are a classic dish that combines flavor and nutrition. These peppers are packed with a savory filling that will satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant and colorful presentation
- Customizable with your favorite fillings
- Healthy and satisfying meal option
A Colorful and Nutritious Meal
These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers not only look amazing but are also packed with nutrients. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers combined with the variety of fillings create a feast for the eyes as well as a satisfying meal. Each pepper is filled with wholesome ingredients, ensuring that every bite is delicious and nourishing.
Bell peppers are a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Additionally, the combination of protein from the ground meat and fiber from the beans and corn makes this dish both filling and nutritious. You can feel good about serving this meal to your family any night of the week.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best features of this stuffed bell pepper recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply replace the ground meat with quinoa or lentils for a hearty and satisfying alternative.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, spices, or cheeses to create your perfect stuffed pepper. Adding ingredients such as diced onions, zucchini, or even olives can elevate the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a fun and creative cooking experience for everyone in the family.
Perfect for Meal Prep
These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only quick to prepare, but they also make excellent leftovers. Preparing a batch on the weekend means you have healthy meals ready to go for busy weeknights. Simply store the stuffed peppers in the fridge and reheat them when you're ready to eat.
You can also freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This meal prep hack makes it easy to have a nutritious meal on hand whenever you need it.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious stuffed bell peppers.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your stuffed bell peppers.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Peppers
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange them in a baking dish.
Make the Filling
In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Add the rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper, packing it tightly. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious stuffed bell peppers!
Serving Suggestions
To enhance your dining experience, consider serving these stuffed bell peppers with a side salad or a light avocado salsa. The freshness of the salad complements the hearty flavors of the peppers and adds a refreshing crunch. You could also pair them with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding jalapeños to the filling or serving with a spicy sauce can elevate the flavor. Experiment with different sides and toppings to find your favorite combinations and make this dish even more enjoyable.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. When storing, it's best to keep the stuffed peppers whole to maintain their shape and flavors. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring they retain their delicious taste.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, making them an excellent option for future meals.
Nutritional Benefits
Stuffed bell peppers offer a variety of health benefits. The primary ingredient, bell peppers, is low in calories and high in essential nutrients, making them an excellent choice for those watching their weight. The inclusion of beans and corn adds fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
Moreover, the lean protein from ground turkey or beef helps to build and repair tissues, while the addition of cheese provides calcium for strong bones. This dish is a balanced meal that supports overall health, making it a great option for families looking to eat healthier.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative.
→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can replace the meat with additional beans, lentils, or mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian option.
→ Can I prepare these peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the peppers and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
→ What should I serve with stuffed bell peppers?
They pair well with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or a side of rice.
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Enjoy a colorful and nutritious meal with these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Created by: Lucy Bennett
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange them in a baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Add the rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper, packing it tightly. Top with shredded cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve warm.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 20g