Randy Chandler
Stuffed peppers are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, rice, and cheese. The classic recipe calls for ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese, but many variations exist, such as using different types of meat, vegetables, or grains. The peppers are typically par-cooked before being filled and baked, and the addition of cheese on top is a popular choice. Different types of cheese can be used, such as mozzarella, cheddar, Colby, or Swiss cheese, depending on personal preference and the desired flavour profile. The dish is easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour, making it a convenient weeknight meal option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish type | Main course, side dish, or starter |
| Ingredients | Ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese |
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Colby, Swiss, goat's cheese, Parmesan, or a Mexican blend |
| Other ingredients | Onions, olives, tomatoes, basil, peas, and fire-roasted tomatoes |
| Spices | Southwestern spices, Italian seasonings, Cajun seasonings, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper |
| Garnish | Parsley, thyme, scallions, chives, or red pepper flakes |
| Baking temperature | 350°F to 425°F |
| Baking time | 15-25 minutes, plus 10 minutes uncovered to melt the cheese |
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What You'll Learn
What type of cheese to use
When making stuffed peppers, you can use almost any type of cheese. The only prerequisite is that the cheese should melt well. Some popular options include mozzarella, cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, and goat's cheese. If you want to experiment with different flavours, you could try using Parmesan, a Mexican blend, or a pre-shredded cheese.
If you're using a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, you can add it to the top of the peppers and bake until it melts. For a sharper, more robust flavour, you could use cheddar cheese, which also melts well and goes well with the ground beef and tomato sauce. If you're looking for a buttery and nutty flavour, Monterey Jack is a good option.
You can also try using a combination of cheeses to find a blend that suits your taste. For example, you could mix mozzarella with another cheese to create a creamy texture. Alternatively, you could use cream cheese to add extra creaminess to your stuffed peppers.
No matter which cheese you choose, the key to success is to bake the peppers until the cheese is nice and bubbly. This usually takes around 10 minutes, but you can leave them in for longer if you're using pre-shredded cheese, which tends to take longer to melt.
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When to add the cheese
Before Baking
You can add cheese to your stuffed peppers before baking them. This will allow the cheese to melt and get nice and bubbly. First, prepare your peppers by washing them, slicing off the tops, and scooping out the insides. If your peppers don't stand upright, you can slice a small part off the bottom. You can then fill your peppers with your desired stuffing. Once your peppers are stuffed, add a tablespoon of tomato sauce on top of the filling, followed by shredded cheese. You can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, Colby, or Swiss cheese. Then, bake your stuffed peppers until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
After Baking
Alternatively, you can add cheese to your stuffed peppers after baking them. This method ensures that the peppers retain some texture after baking. First, bake your stuffed peppers without cheese until they are cooked through and tender. Then, remove them from the oven and top them with cheese. You can place them back in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
During Preparation
If you are making a filling with raw meat or poultry, you can add cheese to the mixture before stuffing your peppers. This method ensures that the cheese is well incorporated into the filling.
As a Garnish
Finally, you can add cheese as a garnish after your stuffed peppers are cooked and ready to serve. This method adds a final touch of flavour and texture to your dish. You can sprinkle shredded or grated cheese on top of your stuffed peppers, along with fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, thyme, or scallions.
Regardless of when you add the cheese, stuffed peppers are a versatile and nutritious dish that can be adapted to your taste preferences.
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How long to bake the cheese for
Stuffed peppers are a tasty and nutritious meal that can be prepared in a variety of ways. The cheese is usually added towards the end of the baking process, and the baking time depends on the type of cheese used and the desired level of meltiness or browning.
For shredded or pre-shredded cheese, bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. If you're using pre-shredded cheese, it may take a little longer to melt. For a bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping, bake for about 20 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
If you prefer your peppers with a gooey cheese topping, bake them for around 20 minutes at 425°F (218°C). You can also bake the peppers for a shorter time, about 15 minutes, and then broil them for a few minutes to get the cheese nice and bubbly.
If you're baking from frozen, add about 30 minutes to the total cooking time. It's important to keep an eye on the peppers while they're in the oven, as you don't want to over-bake them and end up with soggy peppers.
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What to serve stuffed peppers with
Stuffed peppers are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to enhance your meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with stuffed peppers:
Salads
A fresh and crunchy salad can complement the hearty stuffed peppers. You can keep it simple with a classic Caesar salad or get creative with a variety of ingredients. Try a baby spinach salad with fruit, nuts, and cheese, or a zucchini salad with marinated artichoke hearts, chickpeas, and juicy tomatoes. For a refreshing option in the summer, combine cucumbers, jalapeños, basil, and tomatoes. If you're a fan of kale, make a kale Caesar salad that will keep in the fridge for days.
Potato-based Sides
Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in multiple ways to accompany stuffed peppers. Try making mashed potatoes with garlic-infused milk and melted butter, or bake potatoes with toppings like sour cream and chives. For a fun twist, you can even make a giant stuffed baked potato with the same ingredients used in your stuffed peppers. Homemade potato chips or crunchy potato wedges can also add a nice texture to your meal.
Breads
Bread is a classic side dish that goes well with stuffed peppers. You can serve it in various forms, such as warm breadsticks brushed with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese, crusty bread, or garlic bread. Cornbread is another popular option, especially if you're looking for something with a crunch.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables provide a healthy and flavorful option to accompany stuffed peppers. Try roasting asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini. You can also experiment with different sauces and toppings, such as Parmesan cheese and garlic.
Pasta
Pasta salads offer a filling and nutritious option to pair with stuffed peppers. Try a chicken pesto pasta salad or a kale Caesar pasta salad with chickpeas, avocado, and sourdough croutons. For a simpler option, cook some egg noodles and serve them with the stuffed peppers, drizzling extra sauce over the dish.
Other Sides
There are also several other side dishes that go well with stuffed peppers. Air fryer mozzarella sticks, eggplant Parmesan, or carrot fries can be tasty and indulgent options. For something lighter, serve a bowl of fresh fruit or a cup of yogurt.
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How to prepare the peppers
Preparing the peppers is the first step to making delicious stuffed peppers. You can use any colour of bell peppers, but it is recommended to choose ones that are similar in size. The number of peppers you need will depend on their size and how many people you are serving. For a starter, you can serve half a pepper with a side salad.
To prep the peppers, start by washing them and then cutting off the tops. You can chop up the tops and add them to the stuffing mixture later. Remove the seeds and the membranes from the inside of the pepper. You may also need to slice a small part off the bottom of the pepper so that it stands upright. If you are not filling the peppers immediately, you can store the prepped peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day before filling and baking.
Some recipes call for the peppers to be par-cooked before filling, which can be done by roasting or boiling them until they are tender. This ensures the peppers are fully cooked and not soggy after baking. However, others prefer to stuff the peppers when they are raw as they are easier to fill and retain a little texture after baking.
Once you have filled the peppers, place them in a baking dish and cover them before putting them in the oven. Most of the baking should be done with the cover on, but towards the end of the baking time, you can remove the cover to allow the cheese to melt and get nice and bubbly.
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Frequently asked questions
Stuffed peppers are bell peppers filled with meat, tomato sauce, vegetables, rice, and cheese.
You can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, Colby, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or goat's cheese.
Bake the stuffed peppers for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Yes, you can prep the peppers a day ahead by cutting and coring them, then storing them in an airtight container in the fridge.
