Are you stuck in a dinner rut? I get it. Finding new and exciting Healthy Dinner Recipes that the whole family will actually eat can feel like a real challenge. Sometimes you just want something simple, colorful, and delicious on the table without a ton of fuss.
Well, I have just the thing for you. These incredible stuffed bell peppers are about to become a regular in your meal rotation. They are packed with savory beef, wholesome brown rice, and gooey cheese. It’s a complete meal in a neat little package!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this dish is incredibly easy to put together. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can absolutely nail this recipe. The steps are straightforward and hard to mess up. It’s one of those great Supper Ideas for a busy weeknight.
You will also love how customizable it is. You can swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken. You can even make a vegetarian version with beans and more veggies. It’s a flexible recipe that works with what you have.
Plus, it’s a feast for the eyes. The bright colors of the bell peppers make the whole dish look so appealing. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone, especially kids, excited about eating their vegetables. This is one of my go to Kid Friendly Dinners.
And let’s talk about flavor. The combination of savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese is just so comforting. These are some of the most satisfying Healthy Dinner Meals you can make.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather from your kitchen to get started. Everything is simple and easy to find at your local grocery store.
- 2 Tablespoons Extra virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 Medium Onion, diced
- 2 to 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- 1 ½ Cup Cooked Brown Rice
- 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 7 Large Bell Peppers, top and core removed
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
- freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make some delicious food? Let’s walk through this process together. It’s one of the easiest Healthy Dinner Recipes to prepare.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven And Peppers
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. While it’s heating up, place your seven large bell peppers with the cut side up into a baking dish. A rimmed tray works well too. This gets them ready for their tasty filling.
Step 2: Sauté The Aromatics
Next, heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced medium onion and sauté it until it softens. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one more minute. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 3: Cook The Beef And Mix The Filling
Now add one pound of lean ground beef to the pan. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about five to six minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. This ensures it cooks evenly.
Once the beef is browned, stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and paprika. This mixture is the heart of our Healthy Dinner Meals.
Step 4: Simmer The Sauce
Let everything cook together until the sauce has reduced slightly. This should take about four to five minutes. Give it a taste and season with kosher salt and pepper as needed. This is your chance to adjust the flavors just right.
Step 5: Stuff And Bake The Peppers
Carefully stuff each pepper with the beef mixture. Don’t be shy, fill them up generously! Bake them until the peppers are mostly tender, which will take about ten to twelve minutes. They should be soft but still hold their shape.
Step 6: Add Cheese And Garnish
Now for the best part. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over each pepper. Put them back in the oven to bake for another five to seven minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and melted.
Before you serve them, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley. It adds a nice pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your wonderful creation! These really are fantastic Kid Friendly Dinners.
How To Store Leftovers
Have some leftovers? No problem at all. These stuffed peppers store beautifully, making them great for lunch the next day. This is a big plus for any Healthy Dinner Recipes you plan to make.
Simply let the peppers cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to three or four days.
When you are ready to eat them again, you can reheat them in the microwave for a minute or two. Or, for a better texture, pop them back in the oven at 350 degrees F for about ten minutes until warmed through.
Tips
Want to make these Healthy Dinner Recipes even better? I’ve got a few ideas for you. First, feel free to use any color of bell pepper you like. A mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers looks really beautiful.
For a little extra spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. It gives a nice little kick without being too overpowering. It’s a simple way to add another layer of flavor.
You can also turn this into one of your go to vegetarian Supper Ideas. Just replace the ground beef with a can of black beans or lentils. Add some corn and extra spices to make it hearty and delicious.
If you’re short on time, using leftover rice is a great shortcut. It saves you a cooking step and helps use up what you already have. Efficiency is key when it comes to weeknight meals.
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple, delicious, and wholesome recipe for stuffed bell peppers. This is one of those Healthy Dinner Recipes that proves that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or boring.
It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with its vibrant colors and comforting flavors. I really hope you and your family enjoy making and eating this meal as much as mine does. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Make These Stuffed Peppers Ahead Of Time?
Yes, absolutely. You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also stuff the peppers and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
What Can I Serve With Stuffed Peppers?
These peppers are quite a complete meal on their own. However, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully. You could also serve them with a side of steamed green beans or a light soup.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Peppers?
You sure can. For best results, freeze them after they are stuffed but before baking. Place them in a freezer safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding about 20 to 30 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you double check your ingredients. Brown rice, meat, and vegetables are all gluten free. Just make sure your tomato paste and spices don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers
These comforting stuffed bell peppers are a family-friendly meal, packed with savory ground beef, fluffy brown rice, and melted cheddar jack cheese. An easy, wholesome recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Place your seven large bell peppers with the cut side up into a baking dish.
- Heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced medium onion and sauté it until it softens. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one more minute.
- Now add one pound of lean ground beef to the pan. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about five to six minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and paprika. Let everything cook together until the sauce has reduced slightly (about four to five minutes). Give it a taste and season with kosher salt and pepper as needed.
- Carefully stuff each pepper with the beef mixture. Bake them until the peppers are mostly tender, which will take about ten to twelve minutes.
- Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over each pepper. Put them back in the oven to bake for another five to seven minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Before you serve them, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
Have some leftovers? No problem at all. These stuffed peppers store beautifully, making them great for lunch the next day.
Simply let the peppers cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to three or four days.
When you are ready to eat them again, you can reheat them in the microwave for a minute or two. Or, for a better texture, pop them back in the oven at 350 degrees F for about ten minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition
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Sugar
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