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Creamy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Easy Homemade with Savory Tomato Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for creamy, cheesy stuffed bell peppers topped with a rich, herb-seasoned tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels both homey and special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, red or yellow recommended)
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or plant-based alternative for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought marinara)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef or turkey to skillet. Cook, breaking apart with spatula, until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked meat mixture, cooked rice, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and evenly combined. Add a splash of tomato sauce if mixture is too thick.
  5. Stuff each bell pepper with the creamy filling until filled to the top but not overflowing.
  6. Pour half of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place stuffed peppers upright in the dish, then spoon remaining sauce over and around the peppers.
  7. Cover dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender but hold shape and cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Drain excess fat after browning meat to avoid greasy filling. Soften cream cheese fully before mixing for smooth texture. Avoid overcooking peppers to keep shape and bite. Simmer store-bought tomato sauce with a pinch of sugar and herbs to deepen flavor. Remove foil during last baking minutes for bubbly, golden cheese topping. Variations include vegetarian options, spicy additions, and alternate cheeses or sauces.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, creamy stuffed peppers, tomato sauce, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy stuffed peppers, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe-easy-homemade-with-savory-tomato-sauce/