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A stuffed pepper meal is a dish made by stuffing bell peppers with a filling mixture of various ingredients, such as meat, rice, vegetables, herbs, and spices. The peppers are usually cut in half, seeded, and filled with the mixture before being baked or roasted until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through. Stuffed peppers can be made with a wide range of ingredients and adapted to different dietary needs and preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb.
Stuffed Peppers and Their Origin
This recipe may have originated in the Mediterranean region, where peppers are a common ingredient in traditional cuisine. The dish gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century, where it became a staple of American cuisine. Today, stuffed peppers are enjoyed in many different cultures and can be found in various forms, including vegetarian, meat-filled, and cheese-stuffed, among others.
From spicy to savory, here are seven tasty stuffed pepper recipes that you must try.
1. Mexican Stuffed Peppers
These peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, black beans, and corn, then topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro. The result is a savory and satisfying meal with a spicy kick. Preheat your oven to 190°C and start by halving and seeding 4 bell peppers. Brown about 450 g of ground beef in a large skillet and drain any excess fat. Then, add 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup of corn, 1 tbsp. of chili powder, 1 tsp. of cumin, 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything until well combined. Stuff each pepper half with the beef and rice mixture, and top each one with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Taste: Spicy
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Calories per serving: 412
2. Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers
For a healthier option, try these quinoa and vegetable stuffed peppers. They are filled with a delicious mixture of quinoa, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions, then topped with feta cheese for a tangy finish. Make a healthier meal with quinoa and vegetable-stuffed peppers. Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C and halving and seeding 4 bell peppers. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil over medium heat and add 1 diced zucchini, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, and 1 diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Then, add 1 cup of cooked quinoa, 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything until well combined. Stuff each pepper half with the quinoa and vegetable mixture, and top each one with 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Taste: Tangy
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Calories per serving: 219
3. Italian Stuffed Peppers
These peppers are filled with a classic Italian mixture of ground sausage, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, then baked to perfection. The combination of flavors is sure to please your taste buds. For a classic Italian meal, try these Italian stuffed peppers. Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C and halving and seeding 4 bell peppers. In a large skillet, cook about 450 g of ground Italian sausage until browned and drain any excess fat. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 tbsp. of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, and stir everything until well combined. Stuff each pepper half with the sausage and rice mixture, and top each one with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Taste: Savory
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Calories per serving: 413
4. Greek Stuffed Peppers
These peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of ground lamb, couscous, and feta cheese, then topped with tzatziki sauce for a tangy finish. The flavors of Greece are sure to transport you to the Mediterranean. Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C and halving and seeding 4 bell peppers. In a large skillet, cook about 450 g of ground lamb until browned and drain any excess fat. Add 1 cup of cooked couscous, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/2 cup of chopped Kalamata olives, 1/2 tsp. of oregano, salt, and pepper to taste, and stir everything until well combined. Stuff each pepper half with the lamb and couscous mixture and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Serve with tzatziki sauce for a tangy finish. Enjoy the delicious flavors of Greece that are sure to transport you to the Mediterranean.
- Taste: Tangy
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Calories per serving: 446
5. Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers
These peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn, then topped with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro. They are a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional enchiladas. For a healthy and flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas, try these chicken enchilada stuffed peppers. In a skillet, combine shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, chili powder, salt, and pepper until warmed through. Stuff each bell pepper half with the chicken and enchilada mixture, and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes at 190°C, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Taste: Spicy
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: 314
6. Tuna Stuffed Peppers
For a seafood twist on stuffed peppers, try this tuna-filled recipe. The peppers are filled with a mixture of canned tuna, quinoa, and veggies, then topped with Parmesan cheese for a salty finish. To make tuna stuffed peppers, preheat the oven to 190°C and halve and seed 4 bell peppers. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cans of drained tuna, 1 cup of cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup each of chopped celery and red onion, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stuff each pepper half with the tuna and quinoa mixture, and top with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. Enjoy your seafood twist on stuffed peppers!
- Taste: Salty
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: 259
7. Vegan Stuffed Peppers
For a plant-based option, try these vegan stuffed peppers filled with a delicious mixture of quinoa, black beans, and veggies. They are topped with avocado for a creamy finish. These vegan stuffed peppers are a tasty and healthy option that is easy to make. The peppers are filled with a mixture of cooked quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then baked until tender. Once out of the oven, top each pepper with sliced avocado for a creamy finish. These stuffed peppers are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
- Taste: Creamy
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: 259
What To Serve With These Recipes
Stuffed peppers are a complete and filling meal on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. For a light and refreshing option, consider serving them with a side salad or a fresh fruit platter. Roasted or grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, asparagus, or sweet potatoes, also make a great accompaniment. If you're looking for something heartier, try serving your stuffed peppers with a side of rice or quinoa. For a Mexican-inspired meal, consider serving your stuffed peppers with a side of black beans or refried beans, or some homemade guacamole and tortilla chips.
