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Creamy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with Rice and Cheese Easy and Delicious

creamy stuffed bell peppers - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for creamy stuffed bell peppers filled with a cheesy rice mixture, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 ½ cups cooked white rice (270 g)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (100 g, sharp cheddar or mozzarella preferred)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (115 g, optional but recommended)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup milk (60 ml)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Cut off the tops of each bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, shredded cheese, cream cheese, and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Stir gently until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
  5. Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each pepper cavity with the rice and cheese mixture. Pack lightly but do not overstuff.
  6. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the greased baking dish. Use crumpled foil to stabilize if needed.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender and tops are golden and bubbly.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the peppers. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use cooked and cooled rice to avoid soggy filling. Do not overfill peppers to prevent spilling. Cover with foil during initial baking to retain moisture. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and milk with vegan alternatives. Add protein like cooked ground turkey or beans for a heartier meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, creamy stuffed peppers, rice and cheese recipe, easy dinner, cozy meal, cheesy stuffed peppers