3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out
These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.
Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and delicious way to enjoy a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. This recipe features vibrant bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, rice, and spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, these stuffed peppers are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stuffed bell peppers recipe is a delightful combination of taste and convenience. Here are a few reasons to try it:
- Colorful Presentation: Bright bell peppers make for an eye-catching dish.
- Flavorful Filling: The ground pork is seasoned to perfection with spices and herbs.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in under an hour.
- Family-Friendly: A fun way to get everyone to enjoy their veggies!
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
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 brush the outside with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Stuff each bell pepper generously with the pork and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed 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.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Choose firm, fresh bell peppers for best results.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped zucchini or spinach.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Easy Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free alternative.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for varied flavors.
- Add black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.
What to Serve With It
- A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls for a hearty side.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
- A side of salsa or guacamole for a fun twist.
Storage and Reheating
Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out
Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover them with foil to prevent drying out.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Stuff each bell pepper generously with the pork and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed 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.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients!





















