Beautiful Stuffed Bell Peppers Perfect for Summer!

This stuffed bell peppers recipe is the perfect dish to enjoy during the spring and summer months when bell peppers are in season and at their peak freshness. Serves 8-10

These colorful peppers are filled with a delicious and healthy mixture of ground beef (or turkey), cooked rice, cherry tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, making for a hearty and flavorful meal that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a special occasion.

The filling is topped with crumbled feta cheese and baked until the cheese is melted and golden brown, creating a beautiful and tasty dish that's sure to impress. Whether you're looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these stuffed peppers will be a hit!

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers, any color
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or low fat turkey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 1 and ½ cup cooked rice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Stir in salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
6. Add the cooked rice and cherry tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Spoon the ground beef or turkey and rice mixture into the bell peppers until they are filled to the top.
8. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake in the oven for 45 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
9. Remove the peppers from the oven and sprinkle feta cheese over the top of each pepper.
10. Return the peppers to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

TIPS

1. Use ripe, firm bell peppers for the best flavor and texture. Look for peppers that have smooth skin and are free of blemishes or soft spots.
2. When cutting the peppers, be sure to remove the seeds and membranes carefully to avoid damaging the pepper's structure.
3. Be sure to cook the ground beef or turkey thoroughly before adding it to the filling to ensure that it's cooked all the way through.
4. You can use any type of cooked rice for this recipe, but I recommend using long-grain white rice or brown rice for the best texture and flavor.
5. If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, you can swap out the ground beef or turkey for cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
6. To make this recipe even healthier, you can use a mix of bell peppers and other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, for the filling.
7. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for the topping. Crumbled goat cheese or shredded cheddar cheese would both be delicious.
8. Make sure to let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Enjoy!

What to do with Leftover Stuffed Bell Peppers

Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here are a few ideas for what to do with the leftovers:

1. Reheat the stuffed peppers in the microwave or oven and enjoy them as a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
2. Chop up the leftover stuffed peppers and add them to a salad for a healthy and filling meal.
3. Use the leftover filling to make a delicious omelet or frittata for breakfast or brunch.

What to Serve With Stuffed Peppers

Strawberry Salad

Soft Sourdough Rolls!

Sourdough Carrot Cake

Recipe Card

If you try this recipe and love it, I’d love if you give it 5 stars and let me know how it turned out in the comments or review! Tag me on Instagram @farmhouse_harvest with your delicious creation!