Stuffed Peppers with Rice: A Comforting, Flavorful, and Easy Recipe

Imagine biting into a perfectly roasted bell pepper, stuffed with a delicious blend of rice, juicy ground meat, tangy tomato sauce, and melty cheese. The aroma fills your kitchen, and with every forkful, you experience a burst of comforting flavors. That’s the magic of Stuffed Peppers with Rice — a dish that’s hearty, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying.

Ready to try this classic comfort dish? Let’s dive in and make your new favorite dinner recipe!

What Are Stuffed Peppers with Rice?

Stuffed peppers with rice are exactly what they sound like — bell peppers filled with a flavorful mix of cooked rice, ground meat, vegetables, spices, and sauce. But why stop at the basics? These little bundles of joy can be packed with endless combinations of ingredients, making them endlessly customizable.

Have you ever heard the saying, the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach? Well, we’re pretty sure they were talking about stuffed peppers. These beauties are like edible bowls filled with love — and they look as impressive as they taste.

So, grab your favorite peppers and let’s stuff them to perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Peppers with Rice Recipe:

• Flavor-Packed & Hearty: Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat, fluffy rice, and sweet roasted peppers, all tied together with a rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese.
• Budget-Friendly & Filling: This recipe stretches simple ingredients into a complete meal, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Customizable & Versatile: Swap the meat, use leftover rice, add extra veggies, or experiment with spices — this dish is your canvas!

If you’ve tried recipes like Stuffed Zucchini Boats, you’ll love how versatile these peppers are. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch and enjoy them later.

How to Make Stuffed Peppers with Rice:

Quick Overview:

This recipe is straightforward and rewarding — cook the filling, stuff the peppers, bake, and enjoy. In about an hour, you’ll have a comforting meal that feels like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Key Ingredients:

• Bell peppers (6 large) — any color you like
• Ground beef or turkey (1 lb)
• Cooked rice (2 cups) — white, brown, or even quinoa
• Onion (1 medium), diced
• Garlic (3 cloves), minced
• Tomato sauce (2 cups)
• Diced tomatoes (1 can, drained)
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
• Paprika (1 tsp)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• Shredded cheese (1 cup) — mozzarella or cheddar
• Olive oil (1 tbsp)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peppers:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cut the tops off the peppers, remove the seeds, and place them in a baking dish.
2. Cook the Filling:
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
   • Add ground beef, cooking until browned.
   • Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, half the tomato sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Stuff & Bake:
   • Fill each pepper generously with the mixture.
   • Pour remaining tomato sauce over the peppers.
   • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   • Uncover, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

What to Serve Stuffed Peppers with Rice With:

Pair these peppers with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. For drinks, try a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Tips and Tricks:

• Pre-Cook Peppers: Blanch peppers in boiling water for 3 minutes before stuffing for a softer texture.
• Use Leftovers: This is a perfect recipe for using leftover rice or veggies.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the peppers a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

FAQs:

• Can I freeze stuffed peppers? Yes! Freeze individually, then bake from frozen at 350°F for 45 minutes.
• Can I make them vegetarian? Absolutely — swap the meat for black beans, lentils, or mushrooms.

Servings and Timing:

• Serves: 6 people
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes

Storage/Reheating:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes.

Conclusion:

Stuffed Peppers with Rice are the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients, vibrant flavors, and simple preparation. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or hosting a cozy dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab those peppers, and let the stuffing begin — your taste buds will thank you!