Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers Are IT! If you’ve never experienced the joy of biting into a perfectly cooked stuffed pepper, you’re in for a treat. These beauties are a colorful symphony of flavors and textures that will surely have you coming back for seconds. Stuffed peppers are a fantastic way to pack in nutrients while indulging in comfort food. Picture savory ground beef mingling with fresh vegetables and spices, all tucked inside a tender bell pepper shell. The great thing is, they’re super easy to whip up, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or even casual gatherings with family and friends. Plus, you can customize the filling to match your taste! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to create some mouthwatering stuffed peppers that are not only tasty but also visually stunning.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Peppers Are IT
• Ingredients
• Prepping the Peppers
• Preheat the Oven
• Prepare the Bell Peppers
• Cooking the Filling
• Brown the Ground Beef
• Sauté the Vegetables
• Assemble the Filling
• Stuffing and Baking
• Fill the Peppers
• Bake to Perfection
• Garnish and Serve
• Add the Finishing Touches
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• Pairing Ideas
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

Stuffed peppers are a favorite for many reasons. First off, it’s all about balance. The savory flavor of ground beef pairs beautifully with the fresh crunch of vegetables and the warmth of spices. Each bite is a delightful explosion in your mouth. Not to mention, they’re packed with nutrients. The peppers themselves provide vitamins, and the filling is loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy carbs.

Easy preparation is another bonus. You can throw everything together in one pot while the peppers pre-bake. It’s a minimal mess kind of dish—perfect for anyone who may not want to spend hours in the kitchen!

Moreover, stuffed peppers shine as a versatile weeknight meal. You can make them ahead of time or tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand. No two stuffed peppers have to be the same, making them ideal for families with differing tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Peppers Are IT

Just imagine serving a tray of stuffed peppers at dinner. Their vibrant colors—red, yellow, green—make an eye-catching presentation that’s almost too pretty to eat. They invite you to dig in! Cooking is often about creating memories, and these peppers can be a part of that. Picture sharing them with loved ones, laughter filling the air as everyone gathers around the table to enjoy a hearty meal.

What’s even better? The customizability! You can easily cater these stuffed peppers to fit various preferences. Whether you like it spicy, mild, or meat-free, you can tweak this recipe to make it your own.

Ingredients

• 8 large bell peppers (assorted colors)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 15-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes, diced
• 4-ounce can of green chilis
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon mild chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
• 2 cups unsalted chicken broth
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Prepping the Peppers

Preheat the Oven

Let’s start creating! First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This will get things heated up while we prepare the peppers.

Prepare the Bell Peppers

Now, grab those colorful bell peppers. Wash them well to get rid of any dirt. Cut off a thin flat part from the bottom of each pepper. This step ensures stability, so they don’t tip over in the oven. Carefully remove the tops and seeds, then place the peppers upright in a greased casserole dish. A quick pre-bake for about 15 minutes softens them slightly, making for easier stuffing later on.

Cooking the Filling

Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it turns nice and brown—this should take about 5 minutes. Be sure to break it apart as it cooks so it gets evenly browned.

Sauté the Vegetables

Next, toss in the chopped onions and celery. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the onions are a bit translucent. This will add a lovely depth of flavor. Then, stir in minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell that delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Assemble the Filling

Now, mix in the fire-roasted tomatoes and green chilis for some extra kick. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. It’s starting to look good! Stir everything well before adding the black beans, frozen corn, uncooked rice, and chicken broth. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the rice is cooked through, your filling will be ready to use.

Stuffing and Baking

Fill the Peppers

Grab those pre-baked peppers from the oven. Generously spoon the beef and rice mixture into each one, packing it tightly and creating a lovely dome on top. Place a slice of provolone cheese on each pepper. This cheesy goodness will melt beautifully during baking!

Bake to Perfection

Return the casserole to the oven and let them bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—around the 17-minute mark, you can check to see if the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve

Add the Finishing Touches

Once baked to perfection, take them out of the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top as a lovely garnish. These peppers can shine on their own but pair beautifully with sides like sour cream or homemade guacamole.

Serving Suggestions

To create a complete meal, serve these stunning stuffed peppers alongside a fresh mixed salad or a side of Mexican rice. If you’re feeling adventurous, tortilla chips bring an added crunch that everyone will love.

Tips for Success

Make sure your peppers stand tall! Trimming them slightly at the base can prevent wobbling.

If you have extra filling, don’t toss it! It makes for a delicious taco salad the next day.

Variations

Feel like switching things up? You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Going meatless? Try replacing the meat with quinoa and load in those vegetables for a delightful vegetarian version.

Storage Tips

Any leftovers? Refrigerate them in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven ensures those peppers taste just as great as the first time.

Pairing Ideas

For a refreshing touch, serve these beauties with a zesty lime cilantro dressing drizzled over a garden salad. And why not enjoy them with a margarita? It’s the perfect combo for a delightful dinner!

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat?

2. Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute.

3. How do I make this vegetarian?

4. Replace meat with quinoa or lentils and add more vegetables.

5. Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

6. Absolutely! Freeze them before baking for up to 3 months.

7. How long do they take to reheat?

8. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.

9. What sides pair well with stuffed peppers?

10. Serve with a salad, rice, or corn on the cob for a well-rounded meal.

These stuffed peppers are not only a feast for the eyes but also a deliciously satisfying meal. With vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and endless customization options, they embody a comforting yet exciting dish perfect for any weeknight or weekend gathering. This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home, bringing joy to both the cook and the diners. Enjoy every bite!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Butter Stuffed Dates
• Grilled Pineapple Chicken
• Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
• Garlic Butter Salmon

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