Simple and Nutritious Stuffed Peppers for Busy Nights (Free Recipe Download)

When the weather turns gloomy, there’s no better time to try a comforting, yet healthy dinner that you can whip up quickly. Stuffed peppers are one of those dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying—and they come together in just over an hour! Whether you’re working with leftover ground beef or craving a lighter, veggie-packed option, this recipe is versatile, full of flavor, and a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. Plus, it’s the perfect choice for a quick dinner after a busy day or a meal you can easily prep ahead and enjoy later.

I recently found myself staring into my freezer with three pounds of ground beef, wondering what to do with it. After a quick Google search, I decided to give stuffed peppers a try. The result was a delicious and nutritious meal the whole family loved. Best of all, you can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

Before you get started, you might have a few questions about making the perfect stuffed peppers. I’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked ones below to help you navigate the recipe with ease.

Questions You Might Have:

Can you cook these stuffed peppers in the crockpot?
Absolutely! If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make these stuffed peppers in your crockpot. After stuffing the peppers, place them in the crockpot with the lid on, and cook on low for about 4 hours or until the peppers are tender. It’s an easy and hassle-free method that will still yield a fantastic result.

Can you substitute ground beef for other options?
Yes, you can easily swap ground beef for other ground meats like turkey, chicken, or even pork. Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that’s perfect for making this dish lower in fat. You can also use plant-based crumbles if you prefer a vegetarian option.

What other substitutions can I make?
Feel free to get creative with substitutions! You can use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to reduce carbs, or add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients. If you’re dairy-free, try using a dairy-free cheese blend or skip the cheese entirely and top with avocado for a creamy texture.

Does it matter what type of peppers you use?
Not at all! You can use any color bell pepper you prefer—red, yellow, green, or orange. Each type offers a slightly different flavor, but the recipe works well with any variety. Just pick your favorite or go with what’s on sale!

What cheeses can you top the peppers with?
Mozzarella is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even feta would be fantastic. For a richer flavor, consider mixing a couple of different cheeses!

What seasonings do you recommend?
This recipe uses garlic powder and black pepper, but you can customize it based on your taste preferences. Try adding oregano, basil, cumin, or chili powder for a different twist. If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes are a great addition!

What sauces can you use?
Tomato sauce is the traditional choice, but you could also use marinara, enchilada sauce, or even a creamy sauce like Alfredo for a different flavor profile. For a smoky touch, barbecue sauce could be an interesting option!

How can I make this dish even healthier?
To make these stuffed peppers even healthier, try using ground turkey or chicken, skip the cheese or use a lower-fat version, and pack in more veggies. You can also serve them with a side of steamed broccoli or a light salad for extra greens.

Now that we’ve covered some common questions, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get started on making these delicious stuffed peppers!

Serving Size:
Makes 6 stuffed peppers (1 pepper per serving)

Ingredients:

• 6 bell peppers of your choice (red, green, orange, or yellow)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/4 cup tomato sauce (or marinara or another sauce of your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the bell peppers and carefully cut off the tops. Remove the seeds and membranes inside.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef (or preferred protein) and chopped onion over medium-high heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
4. Reduce heat to medium and stir in 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. Pour in 1 cup of tomato sauce and stir until everything is well combined.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the beef mixture. Top with remaining tomato sauce and the rest of the shredded mozzarella.
7. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in an 8×8-inch baking dish. Keep them close together so they stay upright while baking.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the peppers are soft and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
9. Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving.

Want a Quick Visual Guide?

Check out the steps below in the infographic for a clear, easy-to-follow guide to making your stuffed peppers. Don’t forget to print it out or download it so you can have it on hand for your next cooking adventure!

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Calories: 262
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6.3g
• Fiber: 2.8g
• Sugar: 5.7g
• Sodium: 272mg
• Cholesterol: 97.5mg

Have you tried making these stuffed peppers yet? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below or tag me on social media with your creation! I’d love to hear about any tweaks you made or different flavors you experimented with.