Colorful Stuffed Peppers Recipe: A Family Favorite Reimagined

Vibrant and colorful stuffed peppers bring a delightful twist to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Bell peppers create the perfect edible vessel for a hearty filling packed with savory goodness.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this versatile dish that adapts to countless ingredient combinations.

Lean proteins and wholesome grains nestle beautifully inside each pepper, creating a balanced meal everyone will adore.

Seasonal vegetables add depth and nutrition to this classic comfort food.

Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear from plates, these peppers promise a satisfying culinary adventure.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it a regular in your meal rotation.

Everything You Need For Delia Smith Stuffed Peppers

• Ground Beef: Provides the hearty and savory base for the stuffed peppers.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: Create a flavorful and nutritious foundation for the dish.
• Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes: Add rich tomato flavor and moisture to the filling.

• Rice: Serves as a filling and binding ingredient for the stuffed peppers.
• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall taste and seasoning of the dish.

• Cheese: Adds a creamy and melty topping to the stuffed peppers.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh garnish and bright flavor accent.

• Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking in the skillet.

Instructions To Prepare Delia Smith Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) to get ready for some delicious pepper magic.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Prepare the rice following the package directions, making sure it’s fluffy and perfect.

Step 3: Sizzle the Onions

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onions and let them dance and soften for about 7 minutes.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor

• Minced garlic
• Tomato paste

Cook for a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 5: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet and cook until it loses its pink color. Drain away any excess fat.

Step 6: Create the Filling

• Cooked rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer and meld flavors for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Sprinkle Some Green

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the filling for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 8: Stuff and Top

Fill bell peppers with the savory mixture and crown them with a generous layer of cheese.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Cover the peppers with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with extra parsley and serve these mouthwatering stuffed peppers hot and fresh.

Pro Tips For Perfect Delia Smith Stuffed Peppers

• Choose Colorful Bell Peppers: Select peppers in various colors like red, yellow, and green for a vibrant, appetizing presentation that adds visual appeal to the dish.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from ground beef completely to prevent greasy stuffed peppers and ensure a cleaner, healthier final result.
• Boost Flavor with Herbs: Add fresh parsley or basil into the filling mixture to enhance the overall taste and create a more aromatic stuffed pepper experience.
• Prep Peppers Carefully: Cut pepper tops off and remove seeds completely to create a perfect vessel for the delicious meat and rice filling.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let cheese melt during the last 10 minutes of uncovered baking to achieve a perfectly golden and bubbly cheese topping.

Tasty Variations Of Delia Smith Stuffed Peppers

• Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Mediterranean Spin: Swap ground beef for lamb, add feta cheese, and mix in kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrients.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Use ground turkey, add taco seasoning, top with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern touch.

Pairing Ideas For Delia Smith Stuffed Peppers

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich beef and tomato flavors in the stuffed peppers. The wine's robust character matches the hearty ingredients perfectly.
• Create Fresh Herb Salad: Toss mixed greens with parsley, mint, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The bright, crisp salad will balance the warmth and heaviness of the stuffed peppers.
• Serve Creamy Tzatziki Side: Prepare a cool yogurt-based tzatziki with cucumber, garlic, and dill. Its tangy, refreshing texture provides a delightful contrast to the savory, baked peppers.
• Select Crisp White Sangria: Mix white wine with fresh citrus fruits like lemon and orange.

How To Store Delia Smith Stuffed Peppers Properly

• Place leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual peppers in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Transfer a pepper to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs About Delia Smith Stuffed Peppers

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.

• Do I need to pre-cook the bell peppers?

Yes, briefly blanch the peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften them before stuffing, which helps reduce overall baking time and ensures even cooking.

• How do I choose the best bell peppers for stuffing?

Select peppers that are firm, have thick walls, and stand upright easily. Look for peppers with a flat bottom and symmetrical shape to make stuffing and baking easier.

Why Delia Smith Stuffed Peppers Are A Savory Favorite

• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, making this recipe adaptable to different dietary preferences and adding flexibility to your meal planning.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with this simple skillet-to-oven recipe, saving you precious time and reducing dishwashing stress.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein, vegetables, and rice, this stuffed peppers dish offers a balanced meal that kids and adults will love, perfect for bringing everyone together at the dinner table.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare these peppers ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready, providing a convenient solution for busy weeknights and advanced dinner planning.

Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 63 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Colorful Mexican-style stuffed peppers dance with zesty flavors and hearty ingredients. Packed with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, this delightful dish promises a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pounds ground beef

Grains and Rice:

• 1/2 cup uncooked white or brown rice

Fresh Produce and Seasonings:

• 6 bell peppers, tops, and cores removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Liquids and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded Monterey jack

Seasonings:

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare bell peppers by carefully slicing off tops and removing seeds and membranes, creating sturdy edible vessels for the filling.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until translucent and softened.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and rich tomato paste, stirring quickly to release aromatic flavors without burning.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned with no pink remaining.
5. Drain excess fat from meat mixture to ensure a lighter, less greasy final dish.
6. Fold cooked rice into the meat mixture, blending with diced tomatoes and traditional Mediterranean herbs like oregano.
7. Season the filling generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
8. Carefully stuff prepared peppers with the robust meat and rice mixture, pressing gently to fill completely.
9. Arrange stuffed peppers in a baking dish, generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top for a golden, melty finish.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning during initial baking phase.
11. Roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 35 minutes, creating a perfectly tender pepper and heated filling.
12. Remove foil during final 10 minutes of baking to allow cheese to bubble and achieve a beautiful golden crust.
13. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous final touch before serving immediately.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier protein option that keeps the dish’s delicious flavor profile intact.
• Pre-cook peppers briefly in boiling water for 3-4 minutes to ensure they’re tender and perfectly soft when baked, preventing any tough or crunchy texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, goat cheese, or vegan alternatives to customize the flavor and make the dish more exciting for various dietary preferences.
• For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa, which adds nutritional value and reduces overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish’s hearty feel.

• Prep Time: 13 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 412 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg