Description
These Cheesy Stuffed Green Peppers are a delicious and satisfying dish featuring vibrant green bell peppers filled with a savory blend of cooked rice, melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and flavorful spices. Baked to perfection, this recipe offers seven layers of irresistible flavors that make for a perfect vegetarian main or side dish. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors, these stuffed peppers are a crowd-pleaser for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 large green bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
Filling
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend works well)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right baking temperature for tenderizing the peppers and melting the cheese.
- Prepare Peppers: Cut the tops off the green bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to create hollow vessels for stuffing.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Stuff Peppers: Fill each hollow green pepper with the prepared rice and cheese mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish to keep the filling contained during cooking.
- Bake: Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe lactose-free.
- For added protein, consider mixing in cooked ground meat or beans if not strictly vegetarian.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste, adding more paprika or a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.
- Use freshly cooked rice for the best texture; leftover rice works well too.
- To save time, pre-cut and prep the peppers and filling mixture in advance.
