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Stuffed Peppers in the Oven – Unforgettable Flavor with a Surprise Inside!

Stuffed Peppers in the Oven – Unforgettable Flavor with a Surprise Inside!

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🌶️ Stuffed Peppers in the Oven – Unforgettable Flavor with a Surprise Inside!

Looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying? These Stuffed Peppers in the Oven are a classic recipe with a modern twist—and yes, there’s a delicious little surprise hiding inside each one!

With tender bell peppers filled to the brim with savory, seasoned filling and baked to perfection, this dish delivers melty, juicy, mouthwatering goodness in every bite. It’s easy to prep ahead, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests.

🧑‍🍳 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • ✅ Crowd-Pleasing & Kid-Friendly
  • ✅ Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
  • ✅ Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly
  • ✅ Secret Surprise: Gooey Cheese Center! 🧀

🫑 Ingredients

Serves 4–6

  • 4–6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • ½ cup tomato sauce or marinara
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

🥄 The Surprise Inside

Each pepper is filled with a cheesy, molten center of melty mozzarella, creating an ooey-gooey surprise when sliced into. It’s like discovering mac and cheese inside a savory meatball—unexpected, and completely unforgettable.

🔥 Instructions

1. Prep the Peppers

  • Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
  • Rub with a bit of olive oil and place in a baking dish.

2. Make the Filling

  • In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
  • Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, seasoning, and ½ cup shredded cheese. Mix until well combined.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

3. Stuff & Add the Surprise

  • Spoon half the filling into each pepper.
  • Insert a cube or ball of mozzarella cheese in the center.
  • Cover with more filling and press down gently.

4. Bake

  • Spoon tomato sauce over each pepper and top with a sprinkle of cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

5. Serve

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Don’t forget to slice one open at the table for the cheesy surprise reveal!

🍽️ Serving Ideas

  • Serve with a side salad or garlic bread
  • Pair with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
  • Great for meal prep—reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months
  • Reheat: Bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in 90-second bursts