Easy Stuffed Pepper Recipe for a Healthy Meal

Stuffed peppers are a beloved classic for good reason—they’re nutritious, easy to customize, and perfect for a cozy family meal. This recipe combines tender bell peppers with a savory, flavorful filling made with rice, ground meat, and a tomato-based sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, stuffed peppers fit the bill perfectly.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables for a wholesome meal.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to fit dietary preferences or available ingredients.
• Meal prep friendly: Make ahead for a quick and easy reheatable meal.
• Kid-approved: A fun way to serve veggies that even picky eaters enjoy.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic stuffed pepper recipe:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color, tops removed, seeds and membranes cleaned out)
• 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or plant-based ground meat
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend, optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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How to Make Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the peppers.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange them upright in a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the filling.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Stuff the peppers.
Spoon the filling into the prepared bell peppers, packing it in gently. Top each pepper with additional tomato sauce and a sprinkle of cheese, if desired.

Step 4: Bake.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve.
Garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers

1. Choose sturdy peppers: Bell peppers with even bottoms stand upright more easily.
2. Pre-cook the peppers: For softer peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes before stuffing and baking.
3. Add a crunch: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a crispy finish.
4. Use leftovers: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked rice or meat.
5. Make it vegetarian: Swap the meat for black beans, chickpeas, or a plant-based alternative.

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How to Serve Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but you can serve them with:

• Side salad: A crisp Caesar or green salad complements the richness of the filling.
• Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted zucchini or asparagus for added veggies.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an estimate for one stuffed pepper (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: ~20g
• Carbs: ~25g
• Fat: ~15g

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.
• Freezing: Wrap each stuffed pepper individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Conclusion

This classic stuffed pepper recipe is a timeless favorite that’s both hearty and wholesome. Whether you stick to the original or customize it with your favorite ingredients, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress.

I’d love to hear how your stuffed peppers turn out! Feel free to share your variations and tips. Happy cooking!