Stuffed peppers recipe with cheese melted on top

How to Make Mouthwatering Stuffed Peppers

words by Jennifer Bryerton, MaEd
REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR FAMILY DINNERS WITH THIS EASY MAIN DISH

Say goodbye to boring meals and hello to a culinary adventure with this mouthwatering stuffed pepper recipe! This colorful savory recipe will tempt even the pickiest eaters. Join us as we explore the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, delicious variations, and the amazing health benefits of this delightful dish. Let’s revolutionize your family dinners starting tonight! Elevate your family dinners with this flavorful recipe and make memories that will last a lifetime. As you savor each bite, remember that the best conversations happen over a shared meal.

To create this delectable stuffed pepper dish, you will need a few key ingredients to bring all the flavors together. Gather some fresh bell peppers, ground meat of your choice (such as beef or turkey), cooked rice, diced onions, minced garlic, tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and your favorite seasoning blend. These simple ingredients will come together to create a satisfying and delicious meal that your family will love. Ready to get started on this culinary journey? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making these mouthwatering stuffed peppers!

Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Here's a family-friendly stuffed peppers recipe with a touch of cumin for added flavor. This recipe is perfect for kids, as it balances healthy ingredients with kid-approved taste!
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Peppers (Serves 4-6)

  • 6 medium bell peppers (any color: red, yellow, green, orange)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken (use plant-based ground meat for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • ½ cup frozen corn kernels
  • ½ cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Salsa

Instructions
 

Prepare the Peppers

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
  • Lightly drizzle olive oil on the peppers, both inside and out, and place them upright in a baking dish. Set aside.

Cook the Filling

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground meat. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
  • Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
  • Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the cooked rice and ½ cup of shredded cheese.

Stuff the Peppers

  • Generously fill each bell pepper with the prepared mixture, pressing down slightly to pack them tightly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers.

Bake

  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

  • Let the peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced avocado.

Notes

Tips for Cooking with Kids

  • Let kids help wash the peppers and scoop out the seeds.
  • Older kids can help measure spices and mix the filling.
  • Allow them to sprinkle cheese on top of the peppers—it’s fun and easy!
Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful meal with your family!

Stuffed Pepper Recipe Variations to Try

Experiment with different flavor profiles by incorporating ingredients like Italian sausage, quinoa, lentils or even black beans into your filling. You can also swap out the traditional tomato sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce or a spicy salsa for a fun twist on the classic dish. For a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or try adding in a variety of vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the recipe to your family’s tastes for a meal that everyone will love. Now, let’s delve into the health benefits of stuffed peppers, so you can feel even better about serving this delicious dish to your loved ones.

Health Benefits of Stuffed Peppers

When it comes to the health benefits of stuffed peppers, there are plenty of reasons to feel good about serving this dish to your family. Peppers are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and protect against chronic diseases. In addition, the lean protein and fiber from ingredients like ground turkey, quinoa, and vegetables make this a well-rounded meal that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. By incorporating a variety of nutritious ingredients into your stuffed peppers, you can enjoy a delicious meal that not only tastes great but also supports your overall health and well-being.

 

For more family-friendly recipes, see our Food & Home page. In each issue of CharlottesvilleFamily Life & Home, you’ll find even more recipes. Check out the Ham, Vegetable & 3-Cheese Quiche in the Spring Issue on page 30.


JENNIFER BRYERTON, Ma Ed., our Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, started her career in teaching, Co-founded CharlottesvilleFamily and is a mom of four. A believer in experiential education and an avid gardener, beehives, a fruit and veggie plot, perennial borders and a chicken coop dot the family lawn west of Charlottesville. Jen also enjoys sharing travel, museums, theater performances and nature attractions with her family.


 

 

Town & country living at its best! CharlottesvilleFamily Life & Home is an award-winning magazine dedicated to Making Parenting Easier & Growing Up Fun! We create engaging stories on parenting, schools, staying healthy, the arts, home design, local leaders and all the best events. Building community since 1998.