Stuffed Bell Peppers – Flavorful & Hearty

Introduction

Colorful, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, stuffed bell peppers are a dinnertime classic for good reason. This version features a flavorful mix of seasoned ground beef or turkey, tender rice, savory tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese—baked to perfection inside roasted bell peppers. It’s a full meal in a perfectly edible bowl!

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Why I Love This Recipe

Stuffed peppers are budget-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and endlessly customizable. You can change up the protein, go vegetarian, use quinoa instead of rice, or switch up the cheese depending on what’s in your fridge. Best of all, they’re satisfying without being heavy—and they reheat like a dream.

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🛒 Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers, tops removed, seeds and membranes discarded
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare your bell peppers by slicing off the tops and removing the seeds.

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2️⃣ Cook the Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon—about 6–8 minutes.
Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 more minutes until soft.

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3️⃣ Add Rice & Seasoning

Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Remove from heat.

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4️⃣ Stuff the Peppers

Fill each bell pepper with the beef-rice mixture, packing it gently.
Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.

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5️⃣ Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

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6️⃣ Add Cheese & Finish

Remove foil, top each pepper with shredded cheese.
Bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

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7️⃣ Serve

Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or serve with sour cream if desired.

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⏱️ Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 + 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~380 per serving

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Make it low-carb: Swap rice for riced cauliflower.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese.
• Vegetarian version: Replace meat with black beans and corn.
• Use leftover rice or quinoa: A great way to reduce food waste.
• Want extra sauce? Add a spoonful of marinara or tomato sauce inside each pepper before baking.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple one-pan skillet
• Serve with a refreshing lemonade or side salad
• Finish the meal with a cozy dessert like pumpkin delight or peach cobbler

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🧾 Final Thoughts

Stuffed bell peppers are a timeless recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you go with beef, turkey, or a veggie version, this dish is as comforting as it is colorful—and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

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💬 Show Us Your Stuffed Peppers!

Made this dish? Share your plate and tag @ChefManiac! Want to make a freezer-friendly version or mini peppers for a party tray? Just ask—I’m happy to help you adapt this classic.