Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a delicious, comforting dish that is as versatile as it is tasty. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to feed the family or a simple weeknight dinner, stuffed peppers are the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, spinach, and fire-roasted tomatoes, all seasoned to perfection with Italian herbs. Topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, stuffed peppers are a complete meal that is both satisfying and flavorful.

One of the best things about stuffed peppers is how customizable they are. You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or even make a vegetarian version by using beans or lentils in place of meat. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a gathering, or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit.

The combination of tender peppers, hearty filling, and cheesy topping makes this dish irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to meal for busy nights or any time you’re craving a flavorful and wholesome dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed peppers are an ideal dish for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, they are incredibly satisfying. The bell peppers serve as a perfect vessel for the flavorful, savory filling. The ground beef and rice provide substance, while the fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients. The addition of baby spinach brings a pop of color and a boost of nutrition, making this a well-rounded meal.

Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize the filling to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Want to make it vegetarian? Simply swap the meat for beans or quinoa. Prefer a different type of cheese? You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorites. These stuffed peppers are also great for meal prep. You can make them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and heat them up for a quick and delicious meal later.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers (cut in half lengthwise and seeds removed)
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Yellow onion (diced)
• Ground beef
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (canned)
• Baby spinach (roughly chopped)
• Cooked rice
• Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper
• Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Stuffed peppers are easily adaptable. You can change up the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few variations:

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken

If you want a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These options still provide great flavor and protein but with less fat.

Make It Vegetarian

For a meatless option, swap out the ground beef with beans, lentils, or quinoa. These ingredients will add plenty of protein and fiber, making the dish hearty and filling.

Add More Vegetables

You can add extra vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or diced carrots, for additional texture and flavor. Just be sure to sauté them beforehand to soften them up.

Try Different Cheeses

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella, Parmesan, or a sharp cheddar all work well in this dish and bring their own unique flavor.

Spice It Up

For those who love a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also use spicy cheese to give the dish an extra kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Drizzle the cut sides with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish, cut-side up, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spinach

Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and chopped spinach. Continue to cook until the spinach wilts down, about 2-3 minutes. Add the cooked rice and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the filling into each pepper half, pressing it down gently to ensure they are filled evenly. Once all the peppers are stuffed, top each with a generous amount of cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Choose the Right Peppers: Pick bell peppers that are firm and have a nice shape to them. You can use any color of bell pepper, but red, yellow, or orange peppers tend to be sweeter.
• Cook the Rice Ahead of Time: To save time, make the rice ahead of time or use leftover rice for the stuffing. If using instant rice, it can be prepared just before you start cooking the filling.
• Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the peppers, as this can make them difficult to bake and may cause the filling to spill out.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For an added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking, or top with additional cheese during the final few minutes of baking.

How to Serve

Stuffed peppers can be served as a standalone dish or paired with a simple side salad. You can also serve them with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any sauce left in the dish. For a more substantial meal, pair them with a side of roasted vegetables or a light soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezing

Stuffed peppers freeze well. To freeze, assemble and bake the peppers, then allow them to cool completely. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the peppers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of peppers?

Yes, you can use other types of peppers, such as poblano or Anaheim peppers, for a slightly different flavor.

2. Can I make stuffed peppers without meat?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using beans, lentils, quinoa, or a mix of vegetables instead of ground beef.

3. Can I prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the peppers up to the point of baking, cover them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Bake as directed when ready.

4. Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes, stuffed peppers can be frozen either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the peppers and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Bake them straight from frozen.

5. What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for the ground beef.

6. Can I add cheese to the filling?

Yes, you can stir cheese into the filling for extra creaminess. Mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack work well.

7. What if my peppers are too large?

If your peppers are particularly large, you can use fewer peppers and stuff them with a larger portion of filling, or slice them into quarters to create more servings.

8. Can I make stuffed peppers in a slow cooker?

Yes, stuffed peppers can be made in a slow cooker. Place the stuffed peppers in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

9. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Yes, quinoa is a great substitute for rice and can be used in this recipe for a gluten-free option.

10. How do I know when the peppers are done?

The peppers are done when they are tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. If you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork, they are ready.

Conclusion

Stuffed peppers are a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion. With a savory filling of ground beef, rice, spinach, and fire-roasted tomatoes, and a generous topping of melted cheese, they are a complete meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you make them ahead of time for meal prep, serve them for dinner, or freeze them for later, stuffed peppers are always a crowd-pleaser. Customize the recipe to suit your taste, and enjoy this comforting dish anytime!

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