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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Rinse them under cold water.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 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.
- Spoon the mixture into each bell pepper, packing it tightly. Top with shredded cheese.
- 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.