5 Delicious Stuffed Pepper Recipes You Must Try

Stuffed Peppers: A Colorful and Tasty Delight

Stuffed peppers are not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat due to their vibrant colors and the variety of fillings they can house. These bell pepper wonders are versatile, suitable for a casual dinner, or an elegant meal to impress your guests. Here, we explore five delicious stuffed pepper recipes that you absolutely must try.

Classic Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers

Starting with a traditional choice, beef and rice stuffed peppers are a comforting classic. Here’s what you need:

• 6 large bell peppers
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

🥫 Note: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If necessary, trim the bottoms to help them stand upright.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef with onions until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add tomato sauce, cooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well.
5. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish. Add a little water to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
6. Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers

For a vegetarian option, these quinoa stuffed peppers are packed with nutrients:

• 6 bell peppers
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• ¹⁄₂ cup corn kernels
• ¹⁄₄ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Herbs like parsley or cilantro, to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

🌿 Note: Adding black beans can turn this into a heartier meal.

Instructions:

1. Boil quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Steam or sauté the vegetables until they are slightly tender.
3. Mix the cooked quinoa with the vegetables, herbs, feta cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Prepare the peppers by cutting off the tops, removing seeds, and trimming the bottoms if necessary.
5. Stuff the peppers with the quinoa mixture and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Peppers

Adding a kick with Cajun flavors, these shrimp stuffed peppers are a seafood lover’s delight:

• 6 large bell peppers
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded Parmesan

🍤 Note: For a creamy variation, consider adding cream cheese.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp with onions until shrimp turn pink. Add garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook for 1 minute.
3. Remove shrimp and set aside. In the same skillet, add cream and reduce by half. Return shrimp to the skillet, add Parmesan, and stir until melted.
4. Stuff the peppers with the shrimp mixture and bake for 20-25 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

A blend of lean protein and iron-rich spinach makes these peppers both healthy and flavorsome:

• 6 bell peppers
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup marinara sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix chicken, spinach (wilted), ricotta, marinara, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare peppers by removing tops and seeds.
4. Stuff peppers with the chicken mixture and bake for 30 minutes, until peppers are tender.

Greek Stuffed Peppers

Infused with Mediterranean flavors, these Greek stuffed peppers are perfect for a light yet satisfying meal:

• 6 bell peppers
• 1 cup orzo pasta, cooked
• 1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Fresh dill, oregano, and mint, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine orzo with artichokes, olives, feta, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
3. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.

Stuffed peppers offer a canvas for endless culinary creativity. Whether you lean towards savory meats, light vegetables, or exotic flavors, there's a recipe here to suit every palate. Each recipe provides a nutritional balance, making these dishes perfect for health-conscious eaters or anyone looking to try something new. Remember, the key to delicious stuffed peppers is not just in the stuffing but also in choosing the right peppers, ripe and firm, to hold all the flavors in place.

In wrapping up, stuffed peppers are more than just a dish; they are a celebration of flavors, colors, and versatility. From traditional beef to innovative vegetarian options, you've now got a variety of recipes to explore. Why not experiment with your own ingredients or perhaps try a fusion of these recipes for an entirely new take?

Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?

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Absolutely! You can prepare stuffed peppers in advance. Just assemble the peppers, cover them with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, you might need to add extra cooking time if they are coming straight from the fridge.

Are stuffed peppers healthy?

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Yes, especially if you focus on lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables. Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making stuffed peppers a nutritious option.

What can I substitute for bell peppers if I’m allergic?

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If you’re allergic to bell peppers, try using hollowed-out tomatoes, zucchinis, or even mushrooms as an alternative vessel for stuffing. Each will give the dish a different flavor profile and texture.