These Stuffed Peppers are a quick, delicious and easy meal for those busy weeknights. They’re satisfying even for the heartiest of appetites!
This time of year I’m always looking for quick dinners. Whether you have kids in upcoming summer camps or you just want to enjoy the warmer weather outside, dinner time always seems to sneak up on us doesn’t it?
Today’s delicious Stuffed Peppers have always been a quick and easy favorite of mine. When I was growing up stuffed peppers were my grandmother’s specialty. It was always such a scrumptious, comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
#1 this is a healthy option for dinner. It’s loaded with veggies and only a smidge of shredded cheese.
All the filling ingredients are cooked in one large skillet in less than 20 minutes.
The entire meal takes less than an hour from start to finish, so it’s perfect for those busy nights when you still want a delicious healthy meal for your family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- meatloaf mix (mixture of beef, pork and veal)
- yellow onion
- garlic
- corn (you can use yellow, white or a combination)
- diced tomatoes
- oregano
- kosher salt and pepper
- red pepper flakes
- whole grain brown rice
- pepper jack cheese
- bell peppers
- plain panko crumbs
- fresh parsley
The filling is a hearty mixture of meatloaf mix, onion, corn, tomatoes, and brown rice with a little pepper jack cheese and red pepper flakes to give it some kick.
Step-By-Step Instructions
For the filling, in a large skillet you’ll brown your meatloaf mix for 5 minutes and then add your onions, garlic and corn and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Next up, you will stir in the tomatoes (undrained), oregano, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes and cook for 10 minutes followed by the cooked rice and 1 cup cheese and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and rice is warm. Then you will remove from the heat.
While the filling is cooking, you will pre-cook the bell peppers in the microwave to soften them up a bit before stuffing.
When the filling mixture is done cooking you stuff the peppers, sprinkle with extra shredded pepper jack and panko crumbs, and bake for 20 minutes until the peppers are slightly bubbly and the cheese is lightly browned.
I’m telling you guys, this one couldn’t be easier! It’s the perfect fast and tasty meal for the busy summer season. It covers all the bases… meat, starch and veggies all in one dish!
Please let me know if you give the recipe a try. And if you have any questions about the recipe, just drop a comment below. Enjoy!
A Few Cook’s Notes for these Stuffed Peppers
I like to use meatloaf mix for this recipe, but you could also use regular ground beef or even ground turkey.
I like to make things super easy when I make this recipe by using Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice that’s already cooked in the packet. You’ll find these in the rice aisle alongside the regular dried rice.
More Delicious Quick and Easy Meals to Enjoy
Stuffed Peppers
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 lb. meatloaf mix, combination of beef, pork and veal
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 1 14.5 oz. can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups cooked whole grain brown rice, I use Uncle Ben's Ready Rice
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese, plus extra for sprinkling on top
- 4 bell peppers, I used a combination of colors
- 1/2 cup plain panko bread crumbs
- parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat brown meatloaf mix for 5 minutes. Add onions, garlic, corn and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in tomatoes (undrained), oregano, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook for 10 minutes. Stir in cooked rice and 1 cup cheese and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and rice is warm. Remove from heat.
- Cut bell peppers in half. Remove seeds and ribs. Sprinkle insides with kosher salt. Place in a microwave safe dish. Add 1/4 cup water. Cover and microwave for 4-5 minutes or until somewhat softened.
- Transfer the peppers to large baking dish or large baking sheet. Fill the peppers with the meat mixture. Sprinkle with some extra shredded cheese and panko bread crumbs.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you! After I climb out from under the pile of corned beef my Irish mama is making, I am trying these gorgeous peppers!!
Yay! Sounds like a good plan Kate! Enjoy the corned beef!
A perfect idea for a weeknight dinner Mary Ann. I loved stuffed peppers as a kid and haven’t made them in many years. I will definitely give this recipe a try one night soon. Softening the peppers in the microwave is so smart! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you too Cathy! These are one of my favorite quick weeknight dinners!
This sounds so delicious, we love stuffed peppers! We usually make them with minced meat, spinach, beans and feta cheese but this is a recipe I have to try next time. Happy St. Patrick’s day!
That sounds awesome too Vivian! Have a Happy St. Patty’s Day and thanks so much for commenting!
Happy St Pattys day, Mary Ann! No big plans here, unlessentially staying home in your pj’s count. ;) I used to LOVE stuffed peppers growing up! I’d always beg mom my to make them, but I haven’t had one in years! Totally need to change that and make these soon! They look perfectly delicious! Thanks for bringing back some old, good memories for me, friend! Cheers to a wonderful rest of the week!
I’m glad Cheyanne! These will always remind me of my Gram! I have so many great memories of her! Enjoy the day!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Mary Ann! I do love an easy weeknight meal and these stuffed peppers certainly fit the bill. I love the colors of the peppers! Pinning!
And Happiest of birthdays to you friend! Enjoy!
Love love love stuffed peppers! This looks amazing…as do those poppers from the other day…I want to try both. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!! xoxo
Thanks Rebecca! Both were a hit at our house! Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you too!
I have never had stuffed peppers but these look delicious. Two questions, though, can I boil the pepper instead of microwave? What can I serve with them? I am from China and we have a similar dish which was pepper stuffed with ground meat and then steamed. lol
Hello Lucienne! Yes, you can steam them on the stove top. I would fill a steamer or a deep skillet with about two inches of water, place the cut peppers in cut side up and bring the water to a boil. When the water comes to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Steam for about 6-8 minutes or until slightly tender. They will cook more when you bake them in the oven after stuffing. You really don’t need to serve these with anything. They’ve got your meat, veggies and starch all included! Hope that helps! Thanks for following and have a great day!
Thank you so much!
Believe it or not I’ve never tried stuffed peppers!! Your recipe sounds delicious and I’ll have to give this a try :)
You should definitely try these Sarah! They’re really delicious!
I don’t eat enough stuffed peppers, Mary Ann – these ones looks so great! I think I could swap out the meat for mushrooms and they would be delicious. Looking forward to trying a veggie version of this! Have a great weekend.
That’s a great idea Geraldine! Actually, Tom, my husband would love that because he loves mushrooms! Thanks for the idea! I hope you have a great weekend too!
Stuffed peppers are part of my dinner routine at least once a week. They are such an easy delicious recipe.
They’re so easy and so filling. Perfect for those busy nights!
Happy St. Pat’s! These stuffed peppers look so hearty and delicious. Love anything with hot melty cheese Xx
Me too Thalia! Enjoy your weekend!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day . I hope you had a good one . I have always loved stuffed peppers and your recipe looks great. I usually make them with ground meat German style. I love your idea of softening the peppers in the microwave.
Hope you had a great St. Patrick’s Day too Gerlinde! Even my husband Tom, the picky eater loves these! Enjoy!
Wonderful meal! I have not made stuffed peppers in forever. Don’t know why because I do love to eat them. Going on the menu soon!
Yes! You will love these Jennifer! So easy, hearty with just a little kick!
This seriously will be in my dreams tonight!
Ha! Have a great weekend Jocelyn!
I adore stuffed peppers, and these sound, and look, wonderful, the colors are gorgeous :)
Thanks so much Sue! They’re a favorite at our house for sure!
These stuffed peppers look amazing, Mary Ann! That first picture has me drooling! I have some rice that’s been sitting in my pantry and this looks like the perfect use for it.
You should definitely try these Jessica! I’m a huge fan of peppers, so these are a favorite of mine! Enjoy your week!