Cheesy Garlic Breaded Stuffed Bell Peppers with Marinara

A Deliciously Unique Stuffed Pepper Recipe

Looking for a fun new way to enjoy classic stuffed peppers? These cheesy garlic breaded stuffed bell peppers with marinara deliver a tasty twist on the traditional recipe. Bell peppers get stuffed with a savory cheesy filling, breaded in garlic breadcrumbs, and baked until perfectly tender. Served with warm marinara sauce for dipping, this creative stuffed pepper meal makes an easy dinner the whole family will love!

The combination of crunchy, garlicky breadcrumb coating and oozing, melted cheese filling gives these baked stuffed peppers incredible texture and flavor. They require just a few simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Follow the easy steps below to make these next-level stuffed bell peppers that will become a new favorite.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make 4 cheesy garlic breaded stuffed peppers:

• 4 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce

That's all you need for these easy stuffed peppers. The ground meat, onion, cheese, and breadcrumb coating pack tons of flavor. Now let's get to the fun part - stuffing and baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for breaded, cheesy stuffed bell peppers:

Prep the Peppers

Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Rub a bit of oil on the peppers inside and out. This helps them bake up tender. Set aside.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat and onion until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.

Make the Breadcrumbs

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.

Add Cheese

Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a bowl. Mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until well combined.

Stuff the Peppers

Divide the filling evenly among the 4 pepper cavities, pressing in gently. Top each with another 1/4 cup cheese.

Coat with Breadcrumbs

Sprinkle the garlic breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the cheese in each pepper.

Bake

Arrange stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until peppers are fork tender.

Finish and Serve

Remove peppers from oven, top with warm marinara sauce and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Make-Ahead Tips

For easy entertaining, these stuffed peppers can be prepped ahead:

• Cook filling and stuff peppers 1 day in advance.
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
• Add breadcrumb topping and bake as directed.
• Warm marinara sauce gently before serving over peppers.

With just an extra 30 minutes to bring to room temperature, you can have these cheesy garlic stuffed peppers ready for the oven!

Flavor Variations

Customize your stuffed peppers by trying these fun additions to the filling:

• Chopped spinach or kale
• Diced mushrooms
• Chopped olives
• Crumbled feta or goat cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Diced roasted red peppers
• Sautéed zucchini or yellow squash

Play around with different fillings to make these garlic breaded stuffed peppers your own.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy stuffed bell peppers pair well with a variety of side dishes like:

• Pasta salad
• Garlic bread
• Rice pilaf
• Caesar salad
• Cheesy scalloped potatoes
• Sautéed green beans

A fresh side salad or veggie completes this stuffed pepper dinner. Serve with a glass of red wine or cold beer for a satisfying meal.

Leftover Storage Tips

For tasty leftovers, follow these storage tips:

• Allow stuffed peppers to cool completely before storing.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently in a 375° oven or microwave until hot.
• Add marinara sauce just before serving.
• Enjoy leftover stuffed peppers in sandwiches and wraps.

With proper storage, these flavorful stuffed peppers can be enjoyed for lunches and quick meals later in the week.

FAQs

What color bell peppers work best?

Any color pepper works great! Green, red, yellow, orange - use what you have available.

Can I prep the peppers in advance?

Yes, you can stuff and refrigerate the peppers 1 day before baking. Let sit 30 minutes before baking.

What meat alternatives can I use?

Try ground turkey, chicken, crumbled sausage, or lentils instead of ground beef.

Do I need to pre-cook the peppers?

No, the raw peppers soften perfectly during the 25-30 minute baked time.

Can I freeze any leftovers?

Cooked stuffed peppers freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

The Takeaway

These cheesy garlic breaded stuffed bell peppers put a fun twist on a classic dish. The crispy garlic breadcrumb topping and melted cheese filling make them irresistible. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping to take this easy meal over the top. Made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand, this stuffed pepper recipe will become a new family favorite!

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Breaded Stuffed Bell Peppers with Marinara offer a creative take on traditional stuffed peppers. The combination of crispy garlic breadcrumb coating and melted cheese filling gives incredible texture. Baked until tender, these peppers make an easy weeknight dinner or impressive appetizer for parties. Stuff with your favorite fillings like meat, veggies, or beans. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping to take this classic dish to the next level. Just a few simple ingredients make a stuffed pepper meal the whole family will love!

FAQs

What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat leftover stuffed peppers in a 375°F oven or microwave until hot. Add marinara sauce just before serving.

Can I make these peppers spicy?

Yes, add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the filling.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is ideal for the filling, but cheddar, provolone or pepper jack also work well.

Do I need to pre-cook the peppers first?

No, the raw peppers soften perfectly during the 25-30 minute baked time.

Should I use a glass or metal pan?

A glass or ceramic baking dish is best. Avoid metal pans which can react with the acidity of the tomatoes.