Go Back

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers involves halved peppers filled with a savory mixture of cooked rice, ground meat, vegetables, and herbs, then baked until tender and bubbly. The dish features vibrant peppers with a hearty, flavorful filling that develops a golden crust under melted cheese, resulting in a colorful, satisfying presentation.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably red, yellow, or orange for color
  • 1 cup cooked rice preferably long-grain or jasmine
  • 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking the filling
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano optional
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells aromatic. Then, add the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and oregano.
  4. Cook the meat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in the cooked rice and mix well to combine the filling ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Spoon the filling mixture evenly into each hollowed pepper half, pressing gently to pack them slightly.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper for a melty, golden finish during baking.
  7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
  8. Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and turn bubbly and slightly golden.
  9. Carefully take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with vegetables or different cheeses. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with beans or mushrooms.