Stuffed peppers are a delicious and versatile dish that can be found in culinary traditions from cultures around the world. From the pimientos rellenos of Spain to eastern Mediterranean dolma and beloved jalapeño poppers in the U.S., there’s something for everyone to enjoy in a stuffed pepper dish.
The base of any stuffed pepper dish is, of course, the pepper. Traditionally this is a bell pepper, but in some recipes others can be used, including jalapeños, poblanos or piquillo peppers. The filling of the pepper varies widely by recipe, from ground meat to cheese and rice. Depending on what you put inside the pepper, it can be a great vegetarian or vegan dish.
Preparing Stuffed Peppers
Typically, stuffed peppers are made by first hollowing out the pepper, either by cutting them in half or removing the top and scooping out the seeds. Once the desired filling is prepared and added into the peppers, the dish is usually baked in the oven until the peppers are tender.
For some recipes, the peppers can be cooked in the microwave to speed up the process. This Speedy Stuffed Pepper dish takes just 8 minutes thanks to Minute Jasmine Rice & Red Quinoa Cups. To add another layer of flavor to a stuffed pepper dish, some recipes also call for the peppers to be grilled before the filling is added. Next time you’re in the mood to grill, try this Roasted Stuffed Poblano Peppers recipe for a tasty take on a classic stuffed poblano pepper filled with chorizo, black beans, onions, cheese and creamy green sauce.
Regardless of what you’re in the mood for, these recipes are the ultimate guide to preparing delicious stuffed peppers with ease.
Stuffed Pepper Recipes for Every Occasion
Classic Stuffed Peppers
If you’ve never made stuffed peppers before and want to know the basics, these Classic Stuffed Peppers are a great place to start. This hassle-free dinner takes only a few minutes to prep while your oven does the rest! It starts with the classic stuffed pepper filling of ground beef, onion and tomato sauce, finished with Minute Instant White Rice to round out the filling.
Pumpkin and Rice Stuffed Pepper
For a stuffed pepper dish that adds a fall twist, try this Pumpkin and Rice Stuffed Pepper recipe. Typical stuffed pepper ingredients like ground turkey, diced onion, garlic and Minute Instant Brown Rice are combined with pumpkin and cinnamon for an added sweetness and spice that complements the natural sweetness of bell peppers. Filled with all these hearty ingredients and topped with cheddar cheese, these stuffed peppers are the perfect comforting dinner on a chilly fall night.
Rice and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
These Rice and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers are a fast and easy recipe, perfect for a quick and easy meal. Seasoned ground beef or sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa Cups make for a flavor-packed filling that can be prepared in just a few minutes. These stuffed peppers can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, making them ideal for a workday lunch or quick dinner. Simply refrigerate the prepared stuffed peppers until it’s time to eat, then microwave for 1-2 minutes for a delicious meal on the go!
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
There are plenty of ways to put a creative spin on the filling of your stuffed peppers, as seen with these Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers. This stuffed pepper recipe uses classic cheesesteak ingredients like thinly sliced beef, sauteed onions and provolone cheese to create the iconic taste of the classic sandwich, and adds a Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cup for an extra burst of flavor to the filling.
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
You can easily make a stuffed pepper dish vegetarian or vegan depending on the filling you choose. You can substitute vegetarian alternatives to the meats in the above recipes, or try these other vegetarian options.
Easy Italian Stuffed Peppers
Filled with savory Minute Yellow Rice Cups, hearty Italian vegetables and gooey cheese, these Easy Italian Stuffed Peppers are a delicious vegetarian option for a quick lunch or dinner.
Simply fill cooked pepper halves with a hearty mixture of yellow rice, marinara sauce and vegetables and top with mozzarella cheese before microwaving for a colorful, vibrant meal made in minutes.
Party Peppers Stuffed with Jasmine Rice
For a vegetarian-friendly dish perfect for your next gathering, look no further than these Party Peppers Stuffed With Jasmine Rice. Made with mini peppers, they make the perfect finger food that’s sure to make an impression at any party. The peppers are filled with creamy cheeses, aromatic Minute Instant Jasmine Rice, lemon juice and spices for a perfect combination of savory and fresh flavors. For a spicier option, try substituting the mini peppers for jalapeños.
Vegan Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers can still be a filling meal with all vegan ingredients, as content creator Tati Vegan Cooking proves with her Vegan Stuffed Peppers recipe. Protein-packed chickpeas make up the base of the filling, along with spinach, raisins and a Minute Jalapeño Rice Cup for a hint of spice. These stuffed peppers are as colorful and unique as they are delicious!
Stuffed Pepper Tips and Tricks
As you prepare your next stuffed pepper dish, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to help make your dish delicious while saving you time.
Choosing the Right Pepper
As the main vessel for the whole meal, your choice of pepper can impact the final taste of your stuffed pepper dish. Typically, stuffed peppers are made with bell peppers because they’re sturdy and large enough to hold the filling, but there are some things to consider when you’re shopping for your peppers.
If you want to use bell peppers, what color is best for your dish? Red, yellow and orange peppers are typically much sweeter than green peppers, so consider how that will play with the ingredients in the filling. If you’re making an appetizer for a group to share, other peppers may be ideal for a finger food size. Prefer heat to sweet when it comes to your peppers?
Consider a spicier pepper like a jalapeño or poblano to add some heat to your dish.
Whatever type of pepper you choose, it’s a good idea to make sure all the peppers are of a similar size, so they cook at the same time.
Make-Ahead and Storage
A great thing about stuffed peppers is that they can be prepared ahead of time and served later, making them a great meal prep option for weeknight dinners or lunch at the office. There are a few ways that you can prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time:
Prep a day ahead. Cut and clean out your peppers and prepare your filling, then store in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the meal, simply fill the peppers and bake in the oven for a hands-off dinner.
Assemble the peppers and freeze. Prepare stuffed peppers as you normally would, up until the recipe calls to bake them. Simply freeze the peppers with filling inside then bake at a later date. The great part about this method is you can prepare multiple peppers at once, then freeze separately to cook a few at a time for separate meals.
You can also save time while preparing stuffed peppers by baking the peppers as you make the filling. After cutting the peppers and removing the seeds, add to a baking dish face-down and put in the oven for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling. This will save you some cooking time once you fill the peppers, which can be helpful on a hectic weeknight.
A Versatile & Customizable Dish
Whether you’re looking for fun dishes to add to your weeknight dinner rotation or a fun appetizer to serve at your next gathering, stuffed peppers are versatile enough to be a great
fit for a variety of occasions and tastes. They can be ready in just a few minutes and even prepared ahead of time, making them a great option for busy schedules and quick meals.
This guide is a great tool to get you started exploring all that stuffed peppers have to offer, but the options are truly endless. Get creative with different meats, grains, vegetables and spices to create your own stuffed pepper perfect for your palate!
