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Stuffed bell peppers are a delightful and satisfying meal, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. This recipe features vibrant green bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, rice, and spices, all topped with a rich tomato sauce. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also pack a punch of flavor that makes for a fulfilling and nutritious dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These stuffed bell peppers are a wonderful choice for busy evenings. They are easy to prepare, can be made in advance, and are a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they offer a balanced meal in one package!
- Simple and quick preparation.
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Healthy and hearty.
- Fun to eat and visually appealing!
Ingredients
- 4 medium green bell peppers
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Pork
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly drizzle the outside of the peppers with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground pork to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Stir in the cooked rice and half of the tomato sauce, mixing well to combine. Remove from heat.
- Fill each bell pepper with the pork and rice mixture, packing it down gently. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers.
- If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and bright in color for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste; adding crushed red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick.
- For added moisture, you can mix a little broth into the filling before stuffing the peppers.
Easy Variations
- Substitute ground beef or turkey for the ground pork.
- Add diced vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition.
- Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture and flavor.
What to Serve With It
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed vegetables for a colorful side.
Storage and Reheating
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Stuffed bell peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them for a quicker option.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 medium green bell peppers
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly drizzle the outside of the peppers with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground pork to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Stir in the cooked rice and half of the tomato sauce, mixing well to combine. Remove from heat.
- Fill each bell pepper with the pork and rice mixture, packing it down gently. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers.
- If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes: Adjust the spices to your liking and enjoy this hearty dish!





















