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Easy Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice

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A quick and comforting dinner recipe featuring bell peppers stuffed with a cheesy, savory rice filling. Perfect for busy weeknights and adaptable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, red or yellow preferred for sweetness)
  • 1 ½ cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (blend preferred)
  • ½ pound ground beef, turkey, or plant-based substitute (optional)
  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup tomato sauce or marinara
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Trim bottoms if needed to stand upright. Place peppers upright in the baking dish.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. If using meat, add ground meat to skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed meat mixture (or just onions and garlic if vegetarian), tomato sauce, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Stuff each bell pepper generously with the rice mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of each pepper.
  7. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overstuff peppers to ensure even cooking. Sauté onions and garlic slowly for best flavor. Optionally parboil peppers for softer texture. Save pepper tops, chop, and add to filling for extra flavor. Use day-old rice for best texture. Adjust seasoning as you go and taste filling before stuffing.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, cheesy stuffed peppers, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, rice stuffed peppers, vegetarian option, gluten-free

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/easy-cheesy-stuffed-bell-peppers-with-rice-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/