Stuffed Bell Pepper Rings: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
Stuffed Bell Pepper Rings take everything we love about classic stuffed peppers and make them more fun, convenient, and easy to enjoy. Their bold colors, cheesy filling, and quick cooking time make them a fantastic weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or party snack.
This dish offers a healthier alternative to traditional stuffed peppers, as the smaller portions cook faster and allow for customizable fillings to suit any diet. Whether you prefer a meaty, vegetarian, or keto-friendly version, these bell pepper rings are packed with flavor and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Bell Pepper Rings
🌶 A Fun Twist on Classic Stuffed Peppers
Instead of whole bell peppers, these rings make for a quick and easy serving-sized option.
🧀 Perfectly Baked with Melty Cheese
The filling stays juicy and flavorful, while the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly topping.
🥗 Healthy and Customizable
Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, you can swap ingredients for different diets like vegetarian, low-carb, or gluten-free.
🕒 Cooks Faster Than Traditional Stuffed Peppers
No need for long baking times—these stuffed rings cook in just 20 minutes!
Instructions for Stuffed Bell Pepper Rings
1️⃣ Prepare the Bell Pepper Rings
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the bell peppers into 1-inch rings and remove the seeds.
- Lightly brush the rings with olive oil and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or meat alternative) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
3️⃣ Stuff the Pepper Rings
- Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper ring, pressing down lightly to keep it in place.
- Top each ring with shredded cheese for a melty, golden topping.
4️⃣ Bake the Stuffed Bell Pepper Rings
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Bell Pepper Rings
🌟 Use Firm Bell Peppers
Choose fresh, firm peppers that hold their shape well after baking.
🧄 Add Extra Flavor
Mix in chopped mushrooms, black beans, or corn for extra texture and taste.
🔥 Make It Spicy
Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
🥗 Serve with a Side
Pair these stuffed rings with a fresh salad, roasted potatoes, or a dipping sauce like tzatziki or ranch.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian: Replace the meat with a mix of quinoa, black beans, and sautéed mushrooms.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice or extra cheese in the filling.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Breakfast Version: Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and crumbled bacon as the filling.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Rings
Ingredients
- 3 large bell peppers red, yellow, and green, sliced into 1-inch rings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat
- 1/2 cup cooked rice or quinoa for a healthier option
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil chopped
- Extra shredded cheese optional
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the bell peppers into 1-inch rings and remove the seeds.
- Lightly brush the rings with olive oil and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or meat alternative) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper ring, pressing down lightly to keep it in place.
- Top each ring with shredded cheese for a melty, golden topping.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
