Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers

Are you ready to take your taste buds on a delightful journey? Stuffed peppers are the perfect combination of savory flavors, colorful presentation, and wholesome goodness that make them an ideal dish for any occasion. Bursting with flavor and easy to customize, stuffed peppers can easily become the star of your dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a filling weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, these vibrant creations have got you covered!

Did you know that stuffed peppers have a fascinating history? They originated in Mediterranean cuisine and have evolved into countless variations around the world, making them a beloved comfort food. If you’ve enjoyed a classic lasagna or a cozy casserole from my blog, you’ll appreciate this recipe for its satisfying nature. With simple ingredients and a short prep time, you’ll be on your way to a home-cooked meal that tastes gourmet! So, grab your aprons, gather your loved ones, and let’s dive into this vibrant and delicious recipe for stuffed peppers!

What is Stuffed Peppers?

So, what’s in a name? Stuffed peppers might sound a little too straightforward, but it’s exactly what you think: peppers filled to the brim with scrumptious ingredients! Have you ever wondered if there’s a secret to their deliciousness? Perhaps it’s the way they cradle the fillings, acting as edible bowls ready to deliver flavor to your palate! And let’s face it: "Stuffed Peppers" has a certain charm—it’s like they’re inviting you to dig in! There’s an age-old saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and it couldn’t ring truer with stuffed peppers! So, roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a whirl—you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Peppers

There are so many reasons to love stuffed peppers! First off, the star of the show is undoubtedly the fresh peppers, available in a variety of colors, making each dish visually stunning and appetizing. Secondly, making stuffed peppers at home is wallet-friendly—say goodbye to overpriced takeout and hello to a homemade meal packed with nutrients! Plus, they can be stuffed with an array of ingredients—think quinoa, rice, beans, or even ground turkey! If you’ve tried my casserole dishes, you’ll notice how stuffed peppers share a similar appeal but offer a unique twist! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create this gorgeous dish in the comfort of your kitchen.

How to Make Stuffed Peppers

Quick Overview

Making stuffed peppers is not only easy but also allows for plenty of creative freedom! You can have this delectable dish on the table in less than an hour. Pairing the fresh crunch of bell peppers with a savory filling creates a flavor explosion that is satisfying and wholesome. And the best part? You can make several at once, making it a perfect meal prep option!

Key Ingredients for Stuffed Peppers

To whip up these delicious stuffed peppers, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Peppers: Slice the tops off each bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly coat the peppers with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.
3. Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they are softened. Then, add the ground turkey or beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), sautéed meat, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
5. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling into each pepper, packing it tightly while leaving a little room at the top. Top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite toppings, like avocado or fresh cilantro!

What to Serve Stuffed Peppers With

Stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but you can enhance the dining experience by pairing them with delicious sides. A crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette works wonders to balance the savory flavors of the peppers. For a heartier meal, consider serving a side of garlic bread or homemade coleslaw. And don’t forget a crisp glass of iced tea or a flavorful wine that complements the meal beautifully!

Top Tips for Perfecting Stuffed Peppers

• Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have ground turkey or beef on hand? Feel free to use cooked lentils or tofu for a vegetarian spin!
• Timing: If you pre-cook the rice and meat, the total prep time can be significantly reduced.
• Common Mistakes: Make sure to not overstuff the peppers as they need space to expand during cooking. Also, remember to cover with foil while baking to keep moisture in and prevent drying out.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover stuffed peppers can easily be stored for future meals! Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the stuffed peppers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry.

Embrace the joy of cooking and delight your family with stuffed peppers that not only consider taste but also simplicity. Are you ready to give this vibrant recipe a try? You’ll be glad you did!

Stuffed Peppers

A delightful dish featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, rice, black beans, and cheese, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Vegetables

• 4 large large bell peppers (any color)

Filling

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained 15 oz
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Seasonings

• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• to taste Salt and pepper
• Olive oil for sautéing

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off each bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly coat the peppers with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.

Cooking

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they are softened.
2. Add the ground turkey or beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), sautéed meat, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.

Assembly and Baking

1. Spoon the filling into each pepper, packing it tightly while leaving a little room at the top. Top with shredded cheese.
2. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serving

1. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite toppings, like avocado or fresh cilantro!

Notes

Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave individual portions.