Delicious Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe You’ll Love

The vibrant colors of cheese-stuffed bell peppers beckon from the oven, their cheesy goodness melting into a warm hug of flavor. Imagine biting into a tender pepper, bursting with savory ingredients that dance on your palate, while your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that could make even the most reluctant eater curious.

This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, bringing everyone together as they eagerly anticipate their first bite. I remember the first time I served these to my friends; we were all skeptical at first but ended up fighting over the last one. Trust me, this flavor experience will leave you wanting more.

I served cheese-stuffed bell peppers at a potluck once, and they vanished faster than a magician’s rabbit.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors for maximum visual appeal and sweetness; red, yellow, and orange are my favorites.

• Ground Meat: Use lean beef or turkey for a hearty filling; feel free to substitute with plant-based options if desired.

• Cooked Rice: Any leftover rice works perfectly here; it adds bulk and texture to your filling.

• Onion: Diced onions add flavor; use yellow or white onions for sweetness or red for a bit of bite.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings an aromatic kick; don’t skimp on this!

• Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or cheddar melts beautifully; mix both for a gooey surprise.

• Tomato Sauce: A splash keeps everything moist and flavorful; opt for homemade or store-bought based on your time.

• Spices: Seasonings like cumin, paprika, or Italian herbs elevate the flavor profile—feel free to get creative!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, prepare your bell peppers by cutting off their tops and removing seeds. Rinse them under cold water to ensure they’re clean.

Sautéing Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant. Then toss in minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute until it’s aromatic.

Cooking the Meat: Add ground meat to the skillet, cooking until browned through while breaking it apart with a spatula. Ensure there’s no pink left—nobody wants that surprise!

Add in Rice and Sauce: Stir in cooked rice along with tomato sauce plus spices; mix everything well until combined thoroughly. Let this simmer briefly so flavors meld—about five minutes should do.

Stuffing Time!: Carefully spoon the mixture into each bell pepper until packed tightly but not overflowing. Top each one generously with shredded cheese!

Baking Perfection: Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish with a splash of water at the bottom to keep them moist during baking. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.

Serve hot from the oven! Enjoy these delightful bursts of flavor as you dig into layers of cheesy goodness wrapped in tender pepper shells.

Now grab those peppers before someone else does! Happy cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, cook the filling on the stove; this ensures that everything melds together beautifully while reducing bake time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the cheese or add in some ground turkey for protein. You can even toss in black beans for an extra kick and fiber boost!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back into the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

There’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing friends’ faces light up after one bite of these colorful delights. I remember hosting a dinner party where someone exclaimed they’d never eat bell peppers again—until they tried mine!

FAQ

Can I use different types of cheese in Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or feta for unique flavors.

How long do I need to bake Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers?

Bake them for about 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.

Can I make Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and bake just before serving for convenience.

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Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers

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• Author: Rachel Simmons
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cheese-Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and colorful dish that combines tender bell peppers with a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, offering a delightful explosion of flavor in every bite. Customize your stuffing to suit your taste preferences while sneaking in some veggies. With their vibrant presentation and irresistible aroma, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit at any table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
• 1 lb ground turkey or lean beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Rinse them under cold water.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, spices, salt, and pepper; simmer for about five minutes.
5. Spoon the mixture into each bell pepper, packing it tightly. Top with shredded cheese.
6. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish with a splash of water at the bottom. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until tender and cheese is bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider adding black beans or vegetables like spinach to the filling. Swap out cheeses for different flavors; try feta or pepper jack for a spice kick.