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Flavorful Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers

grilled stuffed bell peppers - featured image

These grilled stuffed bell peppers feature a savory filling with ground meat, rice, cheese, and herbs, delivering a smoky, hearty, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or summer BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (mixed colors: red, yellow, green, or orange)
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional add-ins: diced mushrooms, chopped spinach or kale, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry. Lightly brush the outside and inside of each pepper with olive oil.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir in optional diced mushrooms or greens and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a large bowl.
  5. Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, shredded cheese (reserve some for topping), and chopped parsley to the bowl. Mix gently until combined.
  6. Stuff each bell pepper with the filling, packing but not overstuffing. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  7. Preheat grill to medium heat (around 350°F). Place stuffed peppers upright on grill grates. Close lid and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally to get even grill marks and prevent burning. Peppers should soften but hold shape, filling hot and bubbly.
  8. Remove peppers with tongs and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If peppers char too quickly, move to indirect heat. Partially microwaving peppers for 3-4 minutes before stuffing can reduce grill time and help maintain shape. Rest peppers 5 minutes after grilling for better texture. Can bake in oven at 375°F for 30-35 minutes if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled stuffed bell peppers, savory filling, easy dinner, summer BBQ, ground beef stuffed peppers, healthy stuffed peppers