The vibrant colors of red pepper shells pop like a summer sunset, inviting you to dive into their flavorful depths. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, roasted peppers stuffed with a savory medley of ingredients that dance on your taste buds. savory stuffing option The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses and promising an unforgettable flavor experience.
I remember the first time I made red pepper shells for my family. It was a casual weeknight dinner that turned into a culinary celebration as everyone gathered around the table, raving about the delightful flavors. These shells have become our go-to dish for special occasions and cozy nights alike, filling our home with laughter and warmth.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Red pepper shells are not only easy to prepare but also pack a flavorful punch
- Their vibrant appearance makes any plate look gourmet
- Versatile enough to suit various fillings, they cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike
- Perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy family meal at home
One memorable evening, we hosted a dinner party featuring these delicious red pepper shells. The smiles and compliments from friends filled the room with joy, making it a night to remember.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Red Bell Peppers: Choose firm, shiny peppers for the best flavor; they should be vibrant in color and free of blemishes.
- Ground Meat: A mix of beef and pork works great, but you can substitute with turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
- Cooked Rice: Use leftover rice for convenience; it adds texture and helps bind the filling together nicely.
- Onion: Fresh onions bring sweetness to the filling; finely chop them so they blend seamlessly with other ingredients.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth; fresh is best but jarred works in a pinch. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs recipe.
- Cheese: Shredded mozzarella or cheddar brings creaminess; feel free to get creative with different cheese blends! For more inspiration, check out this Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls recipe.
For the Seasoning:
- Italian Herbs: A mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme enhances flavor; adjust according to your preference. hearty Italian ragu.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; taste as you go for balance.
- Olive Oil: Drizzle some over the peppers before baking for added richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the red bell peppers and remove seeds. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish.
Sautéing Time: In a pan over medium heat, drizzle olive oil. Add chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and onions are translucent.
Mixing It Up: In a bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed onion-garlic mixture, ground meat, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and half of your cheese. Stir until well mixed.
Fill Those Shells: Spoon generous amounts of filling into each pepper shell until they’re brimming with goodness. Top with remaining cheese for that golden finish.
Bake Them Perfectly: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. perfect soup pairing Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Enjoy every bite of these red pepper shells that will surely become a favorite in your household!
You Must Know
- Red Pepper Shells are not just delicious; they are a feast for the eyes
- These vibrant peppers bring color and flavor to any table, making your meal as delightful to behold as it is to taste
- Plus, they’re an excellent way to sneak in some veggies!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the red pepper shells until tender, then prepare your filling while they cool. This multitasking ensures everything is hot and fresh by serving time.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping traditional rice for quinoa or adding black beans for extra protein. You can also experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover red pepper shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain their texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To create perfectly cooked red pepper shells, ensure you don’t overstuff them; too much filling can lead to messy eating
- Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor and consider topping with breadcrumbs for added crunch
Sharing my first attempt at making red pepper shells still makes me chuckle. My family devoured them so quickly that I barely got a chance to snap a photo!
FAQ
Can I use other types of peppers for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute bell peppers or even poblano peppers if desired.
How long do red pepper shells take to cook?
Typically, red pepper shells will need about 25-30 minutes in the oven.
What’s a great side dish for red pepper shells?
A simple green salad complements red pepper shells beautifully with its freshness. refreshing salad choice.

Red Pepper Shells
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Red Pepper Shells are a delightful culinary experience, bursting with flavor and color. These tender, roasted peppers are stuffed with a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and melted cheese, creating a dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen as you prepare these mouthwatering shells!
Ingredients
- 4 medium red bell peppers
- 1 lb ground meat (beef or turkey)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut tops off red bell peppers and remove seeds. Arrange cut-side up in a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until onions are translucent.
- In a bowl, mix cooked rice, sautéed onion-garlic mixture, ground meat, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and half of the cheese.
- Fill each pepper shell generously with the mixture and top with remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg