Easiest 30-Minute Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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If you are looking for an easy healthy, and DELICIOUS weeknight meal then this stuffed peppers recipe is for you!

I love making these for dinner because I always end up with leftovers that my fiance can take to work the next day.

It is so easy to reheat.

To reheat stuffed peppers, you have several methods to choose from:

  1. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through (source).
  2. Microwave Method: Place the stuffed peppers in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, then check if they are heated through. If not, continue to microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
  3. Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Arrange the stuffed peppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for about 10 minutes (source).
  4. Stovetop Method: Place the stuffed peppers in a skillet with a lid. Add a couple of tablespoons of water or broth to keep them moist. Cover and heat on low for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through (source).

In the rest of this article:

Why I Love Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are an excellent staple for weeknight meals for several reasons:

1. Balanced Nutrition

Stuffed peppers provide a well-rounded meal with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. The ground beef offers a hearty source of protein, while the rice adds essential carbohydrates for energy. The zucchini and mushrooms contribute fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish both nutritious and satisfying.

2. Versatility

This recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. For example, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or try different vegetables like spinach, corn, or carrots. You can also experiment with different grains like quinoa or couscous.

3. Ease of Preparation

Stuffed peppers are relatively simple to prepare, especially if you have pre-cooked rice or leftover vegetables. The steps are straightforward, and the dish can be assembled quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can even prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to stuff the peppers and bake them.

4. Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly

Stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and freeze individual portions for future meals. They reheat well in the oven or microwave, making them a convenient option for those nights when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.

5. Customizable

This dish is easy to customize to suit dietary restrictions or preferences. For instance, you can make it vegetarian by substituting ground beef with plant-based protein or extra vegetables. It can also be made gluten-free by ensuring the rice and other ingredients used are gluten-free.

6. Appealing Presentation

Stuffed peppers are visually appealing, with their vibrant colors and inviting appearance. This can make them more enticing, especially for kids or picky eaters. Serving a colorful, well-presented dish can enhance the dining experience and encourage everyone to enjoy their meal.

7. Comfort Food

Stuffed peppers are a comforting, homey dish that brings a sense of warmth and satisfaction. The combination of flavours and textures creates a hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

8. Minimal Cleanup

Since this dish is essentially a one-pan meal, it minimizes the number of dishes you need to clean up. Which I love because I HATE cleaning up.

Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers any color
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 medium zucchini diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms chopped
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Trim the bottom slightly if needed to make them stand upright, and place them in a baking dish.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the diced zucchini and mushrooms, cooking for 5 minutes until tender.
  • Mix in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until everything is combined and heated through.
  • Generously spoon the beef mixture into each bell pepper, filling them to the top. Sprinkle shredded cheese over each stuffed pepper.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers! This recipe combines the savory flavors of ground beef, the freshness of zucchini and mushrooms, and the comforting texture of rice.