A hearty, colorful, and comforting classic

Stuffed bell peppers are one of those timeless dishes that feel both homely and elegant. They are packed with seasoned ground meat, tender rice, vegetables, fresh herbs, and topped with melted cheese. This recipe creates peppers that stand tall, vibrant, and full of juicy flavor — exactly like the gorgeous peppers in your picture. Whether you serve them for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, these peppers never fail to impress.

Below is the complete detailed recipe.

---

⭐ Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

For the Peppers

• 6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or mixed)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

For the Filling

• 500g ground beef or ground turkey

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

• 1 medium tomato, finely diced

• 1 small carrot, grated (optional)

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)

• ¼ cup chopped parsley or coriander

For Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar

• Extra parsley for garnish

For the Sauce (optional but delicious)

• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

• ½ cup tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

---

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bell Peppers

Choose large, firm bell peppers. Slice off the tops and remove seeds and membranes inside.
Rub lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Place them upright in a deep baking dish.
Pre-bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
This ensures tender peppers without overbaking the filling.

---

2. Cook the Filling

Heat a pan with 2 tbsp olive oil.
Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.
Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it apart with a spoon.
Once cooked, add:

• Tomato paste

• Paprika

• Cumin

• Oregano

• Salt and pepper

• Chili flakes (optional)

Stir for 1–2 minutes so the spices bloom.

Add diced tomatoes and grated carrots. Cook until the veggies soften.
Add cooked rice and mix well so everything combines perfectly.

Turn off heat and stir in fresh parsley.
Taste and adjust seasoning.

The filling should be moist and flavorful — not dry.

---

3. Stuff the Peppers

Take your warm peppers from the oven.
Use a spoon to pack the filling tightly inside each pepper until full to the top.

Finish with a generous layer of shredded cheese.
Mozzarella melts beautifully, while cheddar adds depth and color — mix them if you like.

---

4. Prepare the Baking Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended)

Mix:

• Broth

• Tomato sauce

• Worcestershire (optional)

Pour this gently into the baking dish around the peppers (not over them).
This sauce keeps the peppers juicy and creates a delicious pan gravy.

---

5. Bake to Perfection

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until:

• The cheese is melted and golden

• The peppers are soft but still hold shape

• The sauce is bubbling beautifully

If you want a darker cheese top like the picture, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

---

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve the stuffed peppers with:

• Mashed potatoes

• Steamed rice

• A green salad

• Garlic bread

• Or enjoy them alone — they’re a complete meal

Spoon some of the delicious sauce from the bottom of the baking dish over each pepper before serving.

---

🌟 Tips for the Best Stuffed Peppers

✔ Use a mix of colorful peppers for beautiful presentation.
✔ Precook the peppers slightly so they become tender.
✔ Add a splash of broth to the filling if it seems dry.
✔ For a healthier version, use ground turkey or chicken.
✔ For extra richness, add a handful of shredded cheese inside the filling too.
✔ Don’t skip the baking sauce — it keeps everything moist and tasty.

---

❤️ Final Thought

Stuffed bell peppers are true comfort food — simple, nourishing, and full of flavor. Each pepper becomes a little edible bowl filled with savory meat, tender vegetables, and soft rice, all crowned with bubbly melted cheese. Whether you're making this dish for your family, guests, or simply treating yourself, it’s a warm and satisfying meal that’s as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat.

Take your time crafting each pepper, enjoy the aroma as they bake, and savor the beautiful blend of textures and tastes in every bite.

🍽️ Bon Appétit!