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Three colorful stuffed bell peppers served on a white plate, filled with rice, vegetables, and melted cheese

Stuffed Bell Peppers

These healthy stuffed bell peppers are a colorful, nutrient-packed meal made with tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, lean protein, and vegetables. Baked until perfectly soft and topped with melted cheese, this dish delivers comforting flavor while staying light and wholesome. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels hearty, looks beautiful on the plate, and makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers any color, or a mix for presentation
  • 2 garlic cloves smashed and chopped
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 pound ground beef or sausage
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Italian dressing optional
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella works best
  • Optional: Parmesan cheese for topping
  • Olive oil for brushing and sautéing

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet or Henkels sauté pan https://amzn.to/3VMvOul
  • Knife and cutting board https://amzn.to/3TFsEYT

Method
 

Prepare the Peppers
  1. Wash your bell peppers and cut them in half from top to bottom. Remove the seeds and membranes, but don’t throw away the insides—we’ll chop them and add them to the filling later.
Pre-Bake the Peppers
  1. Brush the peppers lightly with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to slightly soften them for stuffing.
Prepare the Filling
  1. Heat olive oil in your sauté pan. Add chopped garlic and onions, letting them soften.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
  3. Season with sea salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and a touch of Italian dressing.
  4. Stir in the chopped bell pepper insides and diced tomatoes.
  5. Fold in the cooked jasmine rice and allow everything to cook together for a few minutes so the flavors meld.
Stuff the Peppers
  1. Remove the pre-baked peppers from the oven and spoon the filling evenly into each half. Fill generously!
  2. Add Cheese and Bake
  3. Top each pepper with shredded cheese. For a fancy touch, sprinkle Parmesan on top. Return to the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the combination of tender peppers, savory beef, and melted cheese.

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