Coziest Easy Stuffed Peppers with Rice Recipe for Dinner

Bell peppers bursting with savory rice create a delightful meal that feels like a warm hug.

Colorful ingredients blend together in a simple, satisfying dish.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with each carefully crafted bite.

Home cooks can master this recipe without breaking a sweat.

Nutritious and filling, these stuffed peppers promise to become a weeknight favorite.

Fresh herbs and aromatic spices elevate this classic comfort food.

You’ll want to grab a fork and dive right in – trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer.

What Makes Stuffed Peppers with Rice So Handy

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, add different spices, or include vegetarian protein to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple baking dish method that transforms basic ingredients into a satisfying, hearty meal.
• Sneak vegetables into a tasty dish that even picky eaters will love, combining protein, rice, and colorful bell peppers in one exciting bite.

Ingredients for Stuffed Peppers with Rice

• Ground Beef: Classic choice for hearty, protein-packed filling with rich flavor, best to choose lean variety.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vessels for the stuffing, provide crisp texture and natural sweetness, red or green work great.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic base for meat mixture, provides subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Brings intense, warm flavor profile to the stuffed pepper filling.

• Rice: Serves as substantial filler and binding ingredient for the stuffed pepper mixture, white or brown rice work perfectly.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates moisture and rich tomato flavor for the filling, helps bind ingredients together.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and additional tomato flavor to the mixture, provides small chunks of freshness.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
• Paprika: Offers warm, slightly sweet undertone to the meat mixture.
• Oregano: Classic herb that brings Mediterranean-style seasoning to the recipe.

• Shredded Cheese: Optional creamy, melty topping that adds rich flavor, cheddar or mozzarella work well.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Optional garnish that provides fresh herb brightness to finished dish.

How to Bake Stuffed Peppers Without the Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Fire up the oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently coat a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Transform Bell Peppers

• Select vibrant bell peppers
• Slice off the pepper tops
• Carefully remove seeds and membranes
• Position peppers upright in the prepared baking dish

Step 3: Create Flavorful Meat Mixture

• Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
• Toss in
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant
• Add ground beef, breaking into small crumbles
• Cook until meat turns completely brown
• Sprinkle in seasonings
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried oregano

Step 4: Build Delicious Rice Filling

• Fold in cooked rice
• Add diced tomatoes
• Pour in tomato sauce
• Simmer mixture for 3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld

Step 5: Stuff Peppers with Goodness

• Generously spoon meat and rice mixture into pepper cavities
• Top each pepper with
• Extra tomato sauce
• Shredded cheese (optional)

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Cover baking dish with aluminum foil
• Bake for 25-30 minutes
• Remove foil
• Bake additional 10 minutes until peppers soften and cheese bubbles

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Serve piping hot and savor every delicious bite!

Tips for Perfect Rice-Stuffed Peppers

• Customize Pepper Varieties: Choose bell peppers in different colors like red, yellow, or green for a vibrant presentation and varied flavor profiles.
• Prep Peppers Perfectly: Trim the bottom of peppers slightly so they stand upright in the baking dish without tipping over during cooking.
• Boost Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Rice Hack for Texture: Use day-old rice or slightly cooled rice to prevent the filling from becoming mushy and maintain a firmer consistency in the stuffed peppers.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal preparation strategy.

Storage Tips for Keeping Peppers Fresh

• Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen stuffed peppers maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying.
• Place a pepper on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, checking temperature between each cycle to ensure even warming.

Best Pairings with Rice-Stuffed Peppers

• Complement the rich, hearty flavors of stuffed peppers with a chilled Spanish sangria, blending red wine, citrus fruits, and a hint of sweetness that cuts through the savory beef.
• Toss a light cucumber, tomato, and feta salad dressed with olive oil and lemon to balance the warmth of the stuffed peppers and add refreshing contrast.
• Enhance the meal with crispy, buttery garlic bread that helps soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provides a satisfying crunch alongside the tender peppers.
• Select a medium-bodied red like Tempranillo or Rioja, which mirrors the robust meat and spice profile of the stuffed peppers while cleansing the palate.

Variations on Stuffed Pepper Fillings

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Mix with quinoa instead of rice for added nutrition and texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and use fresh herbs like oregano and mint. Replace tomato sauce with Greek yogurt and sprinkle with pine nuts for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwestern Pepper: Use ground chorizo instead of beef, add corn kernels, and season with cumin and chili powder. Top with pepper jack cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.

Easy Stuffed Peppers FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian version.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

Always use pre-cooked rice to ensure the filling has the right moisture and texture. Freshly cooked or leftover rice works perfectly.

• How do I prevent the peppers from falling over?

Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms or carefully trim the bottom to create a stable base. Placing them snugly in a baking dish also helps keep them upright.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Easy Stuffed Peppers With Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering stuffed peppers with rice blend Mediterranean flavors into a hearty dinner celebration. Colorful bell peppers cradle savory rice, ground meat, and aromatic herbs, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• ½ pound (225g) ground beef or ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a baking vessel with a thin layer of oil or cooking spray.
2. Carefully decapitate the bell peppers, extracting their inner seeds and membranes. Position the peppers upright within the prepared baking dish, ensuring they stand securely.
3. Activate a skillet over medium thermal intensity. Introduce olive oil, then gently sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
4. Incorporate ground beef into the aromatic vegetable mixture, systematically fragmenting the meat and cooking until it achieves a rich, caramelized brown hue. Season the developing filling with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano for depth of flavor.
5. Fold cooked rice into the meat mixture, complementing it with diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Allow the components to meld and simmer briefly, roughly 3 minutes, creating a harmonious filling.
6. Meticulously transfer the prepared mixture into the waiting bell pepper vessels, ensuring each pepper receives an equal portion of the savory filling.
7. Embellish the stuffed peppers with an additional dollop of tomato sauce and a sprinkle of shredded cheese, if desired.
8. Encase the baking dish with aluminum foil, then slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, creating a sealed environment that gently cooks the peppers.
9. Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the peppers to become tender and the cheese to melt into a golden, appetizing layer.
10. Extract from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately while the peppers are warm and inviting.

Notes

• Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms to ensure they stand upright while baking and prevent tipping.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separated grains.
• Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a healthier protein option that maintains similar texture.
• Consider pre-cooking peppers for 5 minutes in boiling water to soften them and reduce overall baking time, creating a more tender final result.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg