Stuffed Peppers
I definitely have a thing for stuffed peppers. They’re easy to make, there are infinite ways to fill them, and, depending on what you add to them, they can be a really healthy dinner option. Plus they’re so fun and the presentation can’t be beat.
They’re great reheated, so they’re perfect for meal prep. You can even make a big batch and freeze them for a quick dinner when you don’t feel like cooking.
I’ve shared tons of stuffed pepper recipes here on Healthy Delicious over the years, so I thought it was about time to pull them all together in one spot. Think of it as your one-stop stuffed peppers shop.
At this point, I’d consider myself to be somewhat of a stuffed pepper expert, so I’ll also answer some FAQs. If you have any more stuffed pepper questions, but sure to leave a comment and I’ll try my best to help you out!
How to make stuffed peppers
There are tons of ways to make stuffed peppers, and different recipes use different techniques. The most classic way to make them is to cook meat, sauce, and a grain on the stovetop and then stuff it into the hollowed-out peppers. Then transfer them to the oven and bake until the peppers are soft!
Below, I’ve also included recipes with some modern twists, like slow cooker stuffed peppers and Instant Pot stuffed peppers. You’ll also find a stuffed pepper soup and even a casserole!
Are stuffed peppers healthy?
Stuffed peppers can absolutely be healthy, depending on what you put in them! They’re so easy to customize. Many stuffed peppers recipes use rice or another grain to add bulk to the filling, but you can easily use whole grains for this. Quinoa or brown rice are both great options.
You can also use more meat or vegetables to keep things low carb or even keto! Since peppers are naturally gluten-free, it’s easy to make gluten-free stuffed peppers, too. Just make sure to check any ingredients that you add to the filling.
Can you freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes! Stuffed Peppers freeze really well. To prevent frostbite, wrap each pepper individually and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay tasting great for about 3 months.
To reheat frozen peppers, place them in a baking dish and bake at 350F for 30-40 minutes, or until warmed through. You don’t even need to defrost them first!
What kind of peppers should I use to make stuffed peppers?
This depends on what you’re filling them with! I personally love using red, yellow, or orange peppers for most recipes. They’re sweeter and less bitter than green bell peppers.
Some recipes work really well with green peppers though. For example, jambalaya stuffed peppers are great with green peppers since that sharp flavor complements the jambalaya flavors really well.
You can also use poblano pepper, Hatch chiles, or even jalapeno peppers. Think about the flavors in the recipe that you’re making, then get creative!
Do you have to boil peppers before stuffing them?
Nope. Boiling the peppers first softens them up so they cook a little bit faster, but it’s annoying and not necessary. I pour a little bit of water into the bottom of my baking dish and cover the dish with foil. That way, the peppers steam while they bake. They still only need about a half hour in the oven. Take the foil off the pan for the last few minutes of cooking to help the top of the filling brown.
What to eat with stuffed peppers
The beauty of stuffed peppers is that they’re a complete meal all on their own! You can never go wrong with a green side salad though. You could also serve them with a corn salad or citrus and avocado salad.
17 Awesome Stuffed Pepper Recipes
Italian Stuffed Peppers (Super Easy!) • Unicorns in the Kitchen
These classic stuffed peppers are filled with ground beef, rice, and seasonings.
Jambalaya-Stuffed Peppers
Instead of putting bell peppers in this classic Cajun recipe, put the recipe in the peppers! These are so good- and make it easy to keep your portions in check.
Lightened Up Stuffed Pepper Soup (Paleo/Whole 30 Options)
Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed Peppers have never been easier, thanks to the Instant Pot!
Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Peppers
Peppers are a great topping for pizza, so it only follows that pizza would be a great filling for stuffed peppers! These are filled with pepperoni, orzo, and marinara sauce.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)
Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers are a mash-up of two classic recipes that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table. Perfectly cooked peppers stuffed with tender bits of beef, onions, mushrooms, and covered in melty cheese are the perfect way to stay low-carb without sacrificing flavor.
Healthy Stuffed Green Chiles with Turkey and Chorizo
Stuffed Hatch chile peppers with corn, beans, and scallions, have all the Southwest flavor you could ever hope for.
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers with Smoked Tofu
These vegetarian stuffed peppers are filled with a quick quinoa salad. They get tons of flavor from smoked tofu and sesame oil.
Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers from Sugar-Free Mom
Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers are an easy and healthy way to satisfy your Mexican food cravings. Quick homemade enchilada sauce makes them extra tasty!
Bean + Chorizo Stuffed Peppers
Inspired by jalapeno poppers, these spicy peppers are stuffed with refried beans, cream cheese, and chorizo. Talk about flavor!
Keto Stuffed Peppers With Ground Sausage And Cheese
Keto stuffed peppers, like this recipe filled with sausage and cheese, are great if you're following a low-carb diet!
Nacho Stuffed Peppers
Peppers stand in for tortilla chips in these nacho stuffed peppers. Brilliant!
Stuffed Red Peppers with Brown Rice and Turkey
A lightened-up take on classic stuffed peppers, made with ground turkey.
EASY Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe - Baked in 60 Minutes!
Mix things up even more by making a stuffed pepper casserole! This is a great way to serve up classic stuffed pepper flavor to a crowd.
Slimming World Big Mac Stuffed Peppers In The Slow Cooker
You can also make stuffed peppers in a slow cooker! It sounds crazy, but they come out great. If you don't like raw pepper flavor, definitely give this version a try - they get really soft and delicious.
Rotisserie Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for these enchilada stuffed peppers.
