Cheesy Garlic Breaded Stuffed Bell Peppers

These cheesy garlic breaded stuffed bell peppers are the ultimate comfort food! Colorful bell peppers are stuffed with savory ground beef, rice, cheese and seasonings. The stuffed peppers are then breaded in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked to perfection. They make an easy weeknight dinner or satisfying meal prep recipe. Read on for pro tips and step-by-step instructions on making the tastiest stuffed bell peppers.

Benefits of Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a versatile meal with many advantages:

Nutritious

Bell peppers provide high amounts of vitamins A, C, B6, folate, and fiber.

Satisfying

The protein, fiber, veggies, cheese and seasonings make it hearty.

Customizable Fillings

You can stuff peppers with just about anything - ground meat, grains, veggies, beans.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Stuffed peppers can be assembled ahead of time and cooked later.

Fun Presentation

Colorful stuffed bell peppers look impressive on the plate or meal prepped.

Choosing the Best Bell Peppers for Stuffing

Pick produce at optimal ripeness for delicious stuffed peppers:

Firm with Bright Color

Avoid wrinkled skin or soft spots.

Glossy Appearance

Shiny, taught skin indicates freshness.

Heavy for Size

Heavier peppers have thicker walls and are ideal for stuffing.

Various Colors

Mix up green, red, orange, yellow, purple for a colorful dish.

Bell-Shaped Work Best

The bell shape helps peppers hold their stuffing.

Tips for Making Cheesy Garlic Breaded Stuffed Bell Peppers

Follow these tips for stuffed pepper success:

Partially Cook Fillings

Pre-cook any raw meat, grains, or veggies before stuffing.

Drain Excess Liquid

Watery fillings make peppers soggy.

Pack Peppers Tightly

Use a spoon to compress filling for a compact, full pepper.

Stand Stuffed Peppers Upright

Leaning helps filling stay neatly packed.

Use Foil Collars

Wrapping pepper tops with foil prevents burning.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Stuffed Bell Peppers

Follow this simple process for perfect stuffed peppers:

Prep the Fillings

Cook ground beef, rice, sauté aromatics, grate cheese, etc.

Prepare the Peppers

Slice tops off peppers and remove seeds and membranes.

Fill the Peppers

Spoon meat, rice, cheese mixture into pepper cavities.

Top Peppers

Add tomato sauce, bread crumbs, or extra cheese on top.

Bake

Bake at 375°F for 25-35 minutes until peppers are tender.

Let Sit

Let peppers rest 5 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Fun Flavor Combinations for Stuffed Bell Peppers

Mix and match fillings like:

- Ground beef, rice, cheddar, onion, garlic

- Turkey, quinoa, feta, spinach, sun-dried tomato

- Shrimp, couscous, Parmesan, zucchini, lemon

- Black beans, rice, pepper jack, corn, cumin

- Lentils, bulgur, goat cheese, mushrooms, parsley

Get Creative with Stuffed Pepper Shapes

Stuff all kinds of pepper varieties for fun:

Mini Sweet Peppers

For single-serve stuffed snacks.

Jalapeños

Cut in half lengthwise for kick.

Banana Peppers

Mild pickled flavor.

Poblano Peppers

Roast first for more complexity.

Cubanelle Peppers

Sweet and tangy flavor.

Make a Meal with Cheesy Garlic Breaded Stuffed Bell Peppers

Serve stuffed peppers with sides like:

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty bread baked with garlic butter.

Green Salad

Crisp lettuce with vinaigrette complements the peppers.

Rice or Roasted Potatoes

Carbs to round out the meal.

Steamed Broccoli

Bright green broccoli provides color and nutrition.

Satisfying Stuffed Bell Peppers Are a Crowd Pleaser

These cheesy garlic breaded stuffed bell peppers have everything - crunch from the pepper shell, savory seasoned beef and rice filling, gooey melted cheese, and crisp buttery breadcrumb topping. The variations are endless too - fill them with your favorite flavors then dive in!

5 FAQs about Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. What is the best stuffing mix for stuffed bell peppers?

Ground beef or turkey, rice, cheese, onions, and garlic make a classic filling.

2. Is it better to bake or boil stuffed bell peppers?

Baking helps keep the filling intact and develops flavors better.

3. How do you keep the stuffing from falling out?

Pack tightly, use pre-cooked rice, stand peppers upright, and wrap with foil.

4. What can I use instead of rice in stuffed peppers?

Cauliflower rice, quinoa, lentils, ground meat, or extra veggies.

5. How do you make stuffed peppers crispy?

Coat peppers in panko or Parmesan breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy shell.