Stuffed peppers are a colorful and versatile dish where bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of rice, meat, vegetables, and seasonings, then baked until tender. They’re hearty, flavorful, and make a complete meal.
🌶 Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 250g ground beef or chicken
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare peppers:
Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds. Blanch in boiling water for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly. Drain. - Cook filling:
In a pan, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ground meat, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook until meat is browned. Stir in cooked rice and diced tomatoes. - Stuff peppers:
Spoon the filling into each bell pepper. Place in a baking dish. - Top & bake:
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until peppers are tender. - Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or coriander.
🍴 Variations
- Vegetarian: Use lentils, beans, or quinoa instead of meat.
- Mexican-style: Add corn, black beans, and taco seasoning.
- Mediterranean: Use feta cheese, olives, and herbs.
💡 Tips
- Don’t overfill peppers to prevent spilling.
- Blanching peppers first helps them cook evenly in the oven.
- Leftovers taste great reheated the next day.
I can also share a quick microwave stuffed peppers recipe, a cheesy baked version, or a slow cooker stuffed peppers method if you want.
Do you want me to give one of these versions?
