Go Back

Best Stuffed Peppers

Deliciously stuffed bell peppers filled with savory ground beef, nutrient-rich spinach, and hearty rice, making for a visually stunning and nutritious dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bell Peppers
  • 6 bell peppers, cut in half lengthwise and seeds removed
Filling
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Divided for sautéing and pre-baking
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef Can be substituted with turkey or plant-based alternative
  • 1 15-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
  • 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese For topping
  • Chopped parsley For garnishing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
  3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil on the peppers and pre-bake for 15 minutes to soften.
Cooking
  1. In a skillet, heat the remaining oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned; drain excess liquid.
  3. Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, cooked rice, spinach, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Fill the pre-baked peppers with the mixture, top with cheese, and return to the oven.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Serving
  1. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
  2. Serve warm, accompanied by a side salad or freshly baked bread.

Notes

For storing leftovers, cool the peppers completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Consider adding freshly chopped herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor. Customize with different grains or fillings for unique variations.