Stuffed peppers healthy choice

January 9, 2026

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stuffed peppers

Stuffed peppers filled with lean beef, veggies and brown rice. A colorful, easy meal that brings taste and health to your table.

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Total Time 1 1

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Lunch or Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

4 units bell peppers any color
250 gm lean ground beef or turkey
1 cup cooked brown rice
0.5 unit onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup tomato sauce
0.5 cup grated mozzarella cheese light
0.5 cup carrot grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon paprika
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon salt

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the bell peppers: Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them upright in the baking dish.
Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in the grated carrot and cook for 1 minute.
Mix in the cooked brown rice, tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Combine everything well and simmer for 3 minutes.
Stuff the peppers: Fill each pepper generously with the prepared beef and rice mixture. Press down slightly to pack tightly.
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
Bake in the oven for 35–40 minutes or until the peppers are tender and cheese is melted and golden.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your stuffed peppers!

Notes

Stuffed peppers are beloved for their colorful appearance, healthy balance, and endless adaptability — they're perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. This recipe effortlessly blends lean protein, wholesome grains, and vibrant veggies, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

Tips to Make Your Stuffed Peppers Shine

Choose peppers of similar size to ensure even cooking. If your peppers tend to tip over, slice a thin layer off the bottom to help them stand steady in the baking dish.

Prefer a vegetarian version? Substitute the ground meat for lentils or chickpeas, and try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness. For a dairy-free option, top with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

Practical Preparation Advice

Pre-cooking the rice and sautéing the filling ingredients allows for deeper flavor and a better texture inside each pepper. For those seeking softer peppers, parboil them for 3-5 minutes before stuffing and baking. If you crave a crunchier texture, skip this step.

When baking, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to the bottom of the dish helps prevent the peppers from drying out.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Complement your stuffed peppers with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic-roasted potatoes. You can play with the filling: incorporate quinoa in place of rice, or add diced zucchini and corn for extra bursts of flavor and color.

For a Mediterranean twist, sprinkle crumbled feta and olives over the peppers before serving, or finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and fresh herbs. Stuffed peppers also make great leftovers — simply reheat and enjoy for lunch or a quick dinner!

Tagged:healthy mediterranean diet recipe

Valentina Silva

Stuffed peppers healthy choice