Stuffed peppers with rice
Experience a true kitchen classic with delicious stuffed peppers with rice. Our recipe includes a generous filling of aromatic beef, enriched with black beans, sweetcorn, and tender carrots. Each pepper is topped with cottage cheese for a comforting finish.
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Ingredients
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8
Pepper
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Filling
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150 g
Brown rice
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5 g
Oil or butter
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400 g
Minced beef
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2 tsp
Mild paprika
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2 tsp
Ground cumin
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1 tsp
Salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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25 g
Flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
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1 can
Black beans (265 g drained weight)
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1 can
Sweetcorn (150 g drained weight)
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4
Carrots, coarsely grated (300 g)
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Choose peppers that are similar in size, so they cook evenly in the oven and soften at the same time. Look for peppers with a similar height and thickness, as these factors affect how quickly the flesh cooks through. We recommend using wider and shorter peppers, as they are often easier to fill and sit more securely in the baking dish.
Before adding the filling, pre-roast the peppers briefly to soften them and help the filling stay juicy. Roast them in a hot oven for about 8-10 minutes, just until they begin to soften without cooking through. While the peppers are in the oven, use that time to prepare the filling.
FAQ: Questions about stuffed peppers with rice
Got questions about our stuffed peppers with rice? We have the answers. Below, we cover the most popular questions, including picking the right rice, how to check for doneness, and the best reheating methods.
Can I use a different type of rice for my stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can swap the brown rice used for the stuffed peppers for other types of rice if you prefer. White long-grain rice is a good alternative if you want a softer texture and a slightly quicker cook. Basmati also works well for a lighter, fluffier filling, while jasmine rice adds a slightly fragrant note. If you want the filling to hold together more tightly inside the peppers, short-grain or sushi rice works, too, just rinse it well and cook it fully before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers with rice are ready?
The stuffed peppers with rice are ready when they pass the knife or skewer test. Push a knife or skewer through the side of a pepper near the bottom, where the flesh is thickest. If it slides in easily and the pepper feels tender when pressed, the stuffed peppers are ready to come out of the oven.
How can I prevent stuffed peppers with rice from tipping over during baking?
The easiest way to stop stuffed peppers with rice from tipping over is to help them stand more securely from the start. Trim a very thin slice off the base of each pepper so it sits flat, but do not cut through the bottom. You can also scrunch small pieces of foil into loose rings and place them around the peppers to keep them upright. Also, place the peppers snugly in an ovenproof dish so they support each other.
How should I store stuffed peppers with rice?
Once the stuffed peppers have cooled fully, store them well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container, or cover them tightly on a plate with cling film or a reusable cover. Keeping them well sealed helps prevent them from drying out.
How should I reheat stuffed peppers with rice?
Reheat stuffed peppers with rice either in the oven or the microwave. For the oven, place the peppers in an ovenproof dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 180 °C until heated through, which usually takes 15-20 minutes. If you are using the microwave, place the peppers on a plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in short intervals until hot.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
326 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 7.8 g |
| Protein | 22.9 % | 18.4 g |
| Fat | 22 % | 8.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55.1 % | 44.2 g |
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Enjoy stuffed peppers with rice straight from the oven
The enticing aroma of these stuffed peppers with rice is a real treat for the senses as you take them out of the oven. Roasted until tender, the peppers become so soft and succulent that you will hardly need a knife and fork. Roasting brings out the peppers’ natural sweetness, while the lightly charred edges add a pleasant smoky note.
Filled with warmly spiced beef, brown rice, and vegetables
For many, the filling is the best part of a stuffed pepper. Here, sweet paprika and earthy cumin create a warm, aromatic base that coats the savoury beef and brown rice. The spices also add a lovely counterpoint to the natural sweetness of the carrots and corn, while black beans add a hearty texture. Finished with fresh parsley, the filling is comforting and satisfying with each bite.
A creamy cottage cheese topping
Beneath the pepper tops, these stuffed peppers hide a lovely cheese surprise. Before they go into the oven, each pepper is topped with a generous dollop of cottage cheese. As the peppers bake, the cottage cheese warms and softens, turning into a creamy topping that settles neatly over the beef and rice. It adds a mild, creamy flavour and helps keep the filling moist while everything cooks.
Pair it with your favourite sides
Stuffed red peppers with rice are great for both weeknight and weekend dinners. With tender peppers and a delectable filling, they are satisfying on their own without needing much else on the plate.
That said, they pair nicely with something fresh on the side. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, a tomato and cucumber salad, or a carrot and apple salad for a bit of crunch all work well alongside the warm, spiced filling.
If you feel like expanding your dinner rotation, there are plenty to choose from. Our burrito bowl offers a similar mix of flavours, while the lettuce wrap with chicken offers a lighter alternative, and dukkah chicken with roasted root vegetables is great for family dinners.
Give the filling a twist
Put your own spin on the filling by adjusting it to suit your taste. Add finely chopped red or white onion, minced garlic, or sliced jalapeños to deepen the flavour and bring a bit of heat. Alternatively, mix in sun-dried tomatoes and chopped olives to give the filling a more Mediterranean feel.
While cottage cheese provides a light and creamy finish, you can easily experiment with other cheeses. Swap it for a cheddar to get a gooey, bubbly layer, or use a crumbly white cheese for a saltier taste. Mozzarella is another fantastic option, offering a mild, creamy flavour with a signature stretchy melt.
Dive deeper into the basics with our guides to high-fibre foods and types of proteins in food. For more everyday meal ideas, browse our high-protein, high-fibre meals or explore high-protein dinner options that fit easily into the week. If you are looking for lighter inspiration, our top 7 high-protein salads are also worth a look.
