The aroma of stuffed peppers with rice wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a warm hug. Picture vibrant, colorful peppers bursting with flavor, each bite offering a delightful crunch followed by a hearty explosion of savory goodness.

These stuffed peppers have been my go-to for family gatherings and friendly potlucks. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, they never fail to impress and satisfy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for stuffed peppers with rice is quick and simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Each pepper is a delightful burst of flavor that pleases the eyes as much as the palate
- You can easily customize the filling based on what you have at home
- These colorful beauties are not just delicious; they are also packed with nutrients and are a great way to sneak in some veggies!
I remember one memorable evening when I surprised my friends with these stuffed peppers. Their delighted faces as they dug into the dish were priceless, and the compliments kept rolling in!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Bell Peppers: Choose firm, brightly colored peppers for the best flavor and presentation.
-
Rice: Use long-grain white or brown rice; it holds up well in the stuffing.
-
Ground Meat: Lean ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based meat works beautifully.
-
Onion: Fresh onions add sweetness and depth; yellow onions are my favorite choice.
-
Garlic: Don’t skimp on garlic! Fresh cloves elevate flavor to new heights.
-
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are convenient and add moisture to the filling.
-
Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and cheddar provides that melty goodness everyone loves.
-
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and salt bring everything together with a kick!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Peppers: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds gently.
Sauté Your Base Ingredients: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add in Rice and Meat Mixture: Stir in cooked rice along with ground meat until browned through. Season generously with chili powder and cumin for that extra oomph.
Mix in Tomatoes and Cheese: Add diced tomatoes to your meat mixture. Fold in half of the cheese until melted and combined well.
Stuff Those Peppers!: Carefully spoon the mixture into each bell pepper, packing it tightly but not overflowing. Top each pepper with remaining cheese.
Bake Until Done!: Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish filled with a bit of water to steam them as they bake. Cover with foil and roast for about 30 minutes before removing foil to brown cheese.
Enjoying these stuffed peppers with rice is like giving your taste buds a party! The flavors meld beautifully while keeping each pepper intact—a colorful centerpiece for any table!
You Must Know
- Stuffed peppers with rice are not just delicious; they can be made with whatever you have on hand
- The bright colors and savory aromas will make your kitchen feel like a cozy restaurant
- Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep and impressing guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the rice first, then sauté the filling ingredients while the peppers bake. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly cooked and flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in quinoa or couscous for the rice. You can also add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor to your stuffed peppers with rice.
Storing & Reheating
Store cooked stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of flavor
- Opt for colorful bell peppers to make your dish visually appealing
- Avoid overcooking the rice; it should be slightly underdone before stuffing
There was this one time when I served stuffed peppers with rice at a family gathering, and everyone raved about them! Now they request them every holiday—who knew veggies could steal the show?
FAQ
Can I use different types of rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice or jasmine rice work well too in stuffed peppers with rice.
How long do I bake stuffed peppers?
Bake them for about 25-30 minutes at 375°F until tender and slightly browned on top.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers with rice?
Yes, freeze them in airtight containers; they last up to three months in the freezer.
Stuffed Peppers with Rice
Stuffed peppers with rice are a flavorful and colorful dish that brings warmth to any meal. Bursting with savory goodness, these vibrant peppers are filled with a delightful mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Easy to customize and packed with nutrients, stuffed peppers are not just delicious but also visually appealing, ensuring they’ll be a hit at your next family gathering or potluck.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 4 medium bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in cooked rice and ground meat; season with chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook until meat is browned.
- Add diced tomatoes and half of the cheese to the skillet; mix well until cheese melts.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture, packing it tightly. Top with remaining cheese.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish with a little water. Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove foil to brown the cheese for an additional 5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 358
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Leave a Comment