Dottie'S Stuffed Bell Peppers
Savory stuffed bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a hearty family dinner or entertaining guests with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 large bell peppers
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 cup celery
- 1 bunch green onions ⓘ
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tablespoons canola oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet basil ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- Italian bread crumbs ⓘ
- margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds.
- Stand the peppers upright in a small amount of salted water and boil until just tender.
- Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, garlic, celery, and green onions; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in Lipton onion soup mix, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, basil, pepper, and beef bouillon granules.
- Mix in cooked rice and Italian bread crumbs until well combined.
- Stuff the cooled bell peppers with the beef and rice mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish, top with margarine, and sprinkle with additional bread crumbs if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try using ground turkey or a mix of beef and Italian sausage for added flavor. You can also substitute the rice with quinoa for a healthier option. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the filling. To save time, use pre-cooked rice. Ensure the bell peppers are tender but not mushy for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed bell peppers pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve them alongside a tangy dipping sauce or a dollop of sour cream. For a cozy dinner, consider making a side of garlic bread or serving with a hearty soup like Corny Clam Chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. They can also be microwaved for a quicker option, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dottie'S Stuffed Bell Peppers contains roughly 974 calories, with 18g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1337mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?
Yes, stuffed bell peppers freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version. Each option will bring a unique flavor and texture, so choose based on your preference and dietary needs.
How can I make these peppers spicier?
To add spice, include chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes in the filling mix. Alternatively, you can use a spicy salsa or hot sauce in the mixture for an extra kick. Adjust the amount to your heat tolerance for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).