Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, colorful dinner that never fails to impress, Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are just the ticket. Packed with savory ground turkey or beef, tender rice, melty cheese, and vibrant veggies, this dish has something for everyone at the table. Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers come together with ease, so you get all the comfort of a home-cooked favorite without any fuss—perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back gatherings with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how the simple, wholesome ingredients in this recipe work magic together. Each component brings its own flavor, texture, and even a burst of color, resulting in a dish that’s as beautiful to serve as it is delicious to eat.

• Bell Peppers: Choose red, yellow, or green for a burst of color and a sweet but slightly earthy flavor base.
• Ground Turkey or Lean Beef: Both add satisfying, protein-packed heartiness; pick your favorite or alternate each time.
• Cooked Rice: White or brown rice gives the filling body and soaks up all those savory juices.
• Diced Tomatoes: Drained to avoid excess moisture, these bring tang and brightness to the mixture.
• Onion: Chopped and sautéed for gentle sweetness that builds the dish’s flavor foundation.
• Garlic: Just two cloves, minced, provide an aromatic punch that makes everything pop.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds creaminess and the perfect bubbly, golden finish on top.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• Optional: Italian Seasoning or Herbs: Go classic with Italian seasoning or get creative with your favorite herbs.

How to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spritz a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray—this keeps those juicy peppers from sticking and makes your cleanup a breeze later.

Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers

Carefully slice the tops off your bell peppers, then scoop out the seeds and any membrane you find inside. You want an open, roomy base, so the filling has plenty of space to settle in.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion, Garlic, and Meat

In a large skillet set over medium heat, add a little oil and toss in your chopped onions and minced garlic. As soon as you catch that wonderful aroma, crumble in your ground turkey or beef. Cook everything, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned—then drain off any extra fat.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

Transfer your cooked meat mixture to a big bowl. Add in the cooled rice, drained diced tomatoes, a pinch of salt and pepper, and those optional herbs if you’re feeling festive. Stir until everything’s well combined and fabulously fragrant.

Step 5: Stuff the Bell Peppers

Generously spoon the filling into each hollowed-out pepper, pressing down gently so every corner is filled. Line them up upright in the prepared baking dish—they’ll stand like little edible cups just waiting for their cheesy topping.

Step 6: Bake and Top with Cheese

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle each pepper generously with shredded cheddar, then put them back in the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes. When the tops are gooey and bubbly, your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are ready to hit the table.

How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil does wonders for color and flavor. Want a little tang? Try adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of zesty hot sauce just before serving.

Side Dishes

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are wonderfully filling on their own, but they love a fresh green salad on the side. You can also pair them with crusty bread to mop up any flavorful juices, or a simple bowl of soup for extra comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your peppers upright in a vibrant dish for a family-style centerpiece, or slice them in half after baking for beautiful peppers “boats.” For a dinner party, nestle the peppers over a bed of extra rice or sautéed greens. They look fantastic and invite everyone to dig right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep wonderfully fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making them perfect for meal prepping or bringing for lunch at work.

Freezing

These peppers freeze like a dream! Once cooled, wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them all into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Place your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works great; just cover to keep things moist.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the meat for cooked lentils, black beans, or even a crumbled plant-based meat substitute. The rest of the filling stays the same, so you still get all those great flavors.

Which color of bell peppers is best?

All bell peppers work well. Red and yellow are sweeter, while green have a more pronounced vegetable flavor. Mix and match for variety in both taste and color.

Can I use leftover rice?

Definitely! This is a fantastic way to use up rice from the night before. Cold rice mixes easily into the filling and holds up well during baking.

Is there a way to make them spicier?

Yes! Add chopped jalapeños, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or pepper jack cheese to bring in some heat. Taste as you go so you get the kick just right.

Can I prepare Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers in advance?

You sure can. Assemble the peppers (up through stuffing them), cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cook time since they’ll start out cold.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers and make them a new staple in your kitchen! They’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—just the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with everyone. Give them a go and don’t be surprised if they start showing up on your dinner table week after week.

Print