Delicious Stuffed Peppers for Two: Your Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Discover the ultimate comfort food tailored for two with our incredibly easy and delicious Stuffed Peppers recipe. Imagine perfectly tender bell peppers brimming with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions, diced tomatoes, and fluffy rice, all crowned with a generous layer of gooey, melted cheese. This recipe isn’t just about incredible flavor; it’s about convenience, portion control, and creating a cozy meal without the hassle of excessive leftovers.
Why Our Stuffed Peppers for Two Recipe is a Must-Try
In a world of oversized recipes designed for families, finding a perfect dinner for two can often be a challenge. That’s where our Stuffed Peppers for Two shines! This recipe is thoughtfully crafted to yield just enough servings for two people, eliminating the common problem of too many leftovers that often go to waste. It’s ideal for a romantic date night in, a quiet weeknight meal, or simply when you’re craving something hearty and comforting without overdoing it.
Beyond its perfect portion size, this dish is incredibly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice even on your busiest evenings. The preparation is straightforward, and the baking time allows for a relaxing interlude before you indulge in this delightful meal. What truly sets these stuffed peppers apart is their versatility. They serve as a wonderful canvas for culinary creativity, allowing you to easily customize them with your favorite ingredients, seasonings, or even different types of meat or grains.
A Reader Favorite: What Makes This Recipe Special
“This was a hit with my kinda-picky husband, and I loved it, too! I tried a different recipe last year, and it was a no-go. I’m glad to find a reasonably inexpensive, tasty dinner to serve.”
– Ruthie Jo
Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Peppers
Absolutely! Customizing the flavor profile is incredibly easy. To give your stuffed peppers an Italian twist, simply omit the chili powder and cumin from the seasoning blend. In their place, add 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. For an optional fresh garnish, sprinkle with a bit of chopped flat-leaf parsley before serving. You could even take it a step further by using ground Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an even richer Italian taste.
While many traditional stuffed pepper recipes include tomato sauce, I purposefully didn’t incorporate it into this original version, as not everyone prefers it. However, if you’re a fan of a little extra tomato richness in your filling, it’s simple to add! Just stir a small can of your favorite tomato sauce into the beef mixture. When doing so, you might want to adjust the amount of fresh diced tomatoes, perhaps using about half a can with some of its juices to prevent the mixture from becoming too liquidy.
No one likes food waste, especially when it comes to delicious ingredients like ground beef! If you buy a standard one-pound package for this recipe, you’ll have half a pound leftover. This is a perfect opportunity to prepare another delightful meal for two. Consider making my Baked Ziti for Two or my Baked Spaghetti for Two. Both are fantastic ways to utilize that extra ground beef, providing you with another cozy and satisfying dinner ready to go.
These Stuffed Peppers are quite filling on their own, offering a complete meal. However, they pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes to round out your dinner. I particularly enjoy serving them with a crisp side salad, like my refreshing Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad, or a simple plate of steamed green beans or broccoli. For a truly comforting meal, don’t forget some bread and butter; Garlic Bread or a slice of flavorful Mexican Cornbread would be excellent choices. Other delicious options include Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower or sweet and savory Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes.
While some recipes suggest parboiling bell peppers before stuffing, I prefer not to. I find that unboiled peppers are much easier to fill, and they retain a pleasant, slightly firm texture after baking, which I personally enjoy more than overly soft peppers. If you prefer your bell peppers to be exceptionally soft and tender, you may choose to parboil them briefly. However, be cautious not to boil them for too long, as they can quickly become mushy and difficult to handle or fill. If you decide to parboil, reduce the oven baking time for the stuffed peppers to approximately 25-30 minutes, as they will already be partially cooked.
The most common and effective method for preparing bell peppers for stuffing is to slice them horizontally across the top, about a quarter to half an inch from the stem. Once the top is removed, carefully scoop out and discard all the seeds and any white membranes from the inside. This creates a neat cavity ready to be filled with your delicious mixture.
If you happen to have any leftovers (though with a recipe scaled for two, they’re rare!), you can store the cooked stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, reheat them gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. They make for a fantastic quick lunch the next day!
Essential Ingredients for Stuffed Peppers for Two:
Crafting these delicious stuffed peppers requires a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting meal:
- Green Bell Peppers: While green peppers are the classic choice, feel free to use yellow, red, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor and vibrant color.
- Oil: A touch of olive oil or your preferred cooking oil to coat the peppers and sauté the aromatics.
- Ground Beef: We recommend 93% lean ground beef to minimize grease, ensuring a cleaner filling. However, you can substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based alternative like Impossible meat. If using less lean beef, remember to drain any excess grease thoroughly after cooking.
- Diced Yellow Onion: Finely diced for even distribution and a sweet, savory base.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic is a convenient alternative.
- Diced Tomatoes: Any variety works well – Roma, beefsteak, grape, or cherry tomatoes, diced to your preference. These add a burst of freshness and acidity.
- Cooked Rice: Both brown rice and white rice are excellent choices. This is an ideal recipe to utilize any leftover cooked rice you might have, making meal prep even quicker.
- Chili Powder and Cumin: These spices give the filling a warm, savory depth. (Refer to the FAQ above for an Italian-flavored variation if preferred.)
- Dried Oregano: Adds a classic herbaceous note to the beef mixture.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory garlic flavor without adding moisture.
- Onion Powder: Provides a concentrated onion taste, complementing the fresh diced onion.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together. Adjust to taste.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that irresistible, gooey topping. Feel free to use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
- Cilantro (optional): Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish, offering a bright, herbaceous finish.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Stuffed Peppers for Two
Creating these comforting stuffed peppers is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to bring this delicious dish to your table:
- Prepare the Peppers: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your two bell peppers, carefully slice off their tops, and then meticulously remove all seeds and membranes from the inside. Discard these portions. Lightly coat the exterior of each cleaned pepper with a teaspoon of oil and set them aside.
- Brown the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, heat a touch of oil over medium-high heat. Add the half-pound of lean ground beef, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic. Cook the mixture, breaking up the beef with a spoon, for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the ground beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. If using a less lean ground beef, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent a greasy filling.
- Combine the Filling: Once the beef is cooked and drained, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and evenly distributed. Ensure the flavors are well integrated, but don’t overmix.
- Stuff the Peppers: Carefully spoon the flavorful meat and rice mixture into each prepared bell pepper. Fill them generously, ensuring they are packed but not overflowing to the point of spilling.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper. Place the filled peppers onto a rimmed baking sheet or a small baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Return the peppers to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous touch. Serve hot and savor every delicious bite of this comforting meal!
Craving More Delicious Recipes for Two?
If you loved this perfectly portioned meal, you’re in luck! We specialize in creating comforting and flavorful recipes specifically designed for two, ensuring you can enjoy home-cooked meals without the mountain of leftovers. Explore more of our favorites:
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers
- Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
- Crock Pot Pork Chops For Two
- Chicken and Dumplings For Two
- Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy For Two
- Chicken Noodle Casserole For Two
- Crock Pot Potato Soup For Two
- Polish Casserole For Two
- Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meal (For Two)
- Baked Ziti For Two
- Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes For Two
- Lasagna For Two
- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff For Two
- Stuffed Peppers For Two
- Crock Pot Chicken Thighs and Gravy For Two
- White Chicken Enchiladas For Two
- Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo For Two
Stuffed Peppers for Two
Stuffed Peppers for Two combines seasoned beef, onion, tomatoes and rice all stuffed into a tender bell pepper and topped with gooey, melty cheese!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 2
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 2 green bell peppers
- 1 teaspoon oil
- ½ pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided use)
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the 2 green bell peppers. Remove all the seeds and membranes (as best as possible) and discard those.
- Coat the outside of both of the peppers with 1 teaspoon oil. Set aside.
- To a skillet, add 1/2 pound lean ground beef, 1/2 cup diced yellow onion, and 1 garlic clove, minced. Cook and crumble ground beef for about 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked. Drain the meat if a lot of grease was produced (if using a very lean meat, you shouldn’t have much grease at all).
- Add 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup diced tomatoes, 1 cup cooked rice, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until combined.
- Fill the peppers with the meat mixture.
- Top the peppers with the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place the peppers onto a rimmed baking sheet or small baking dish.
- Cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
- Top with 1 Tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional). Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Please refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” and ingredient list above for other substitutions or answers to common questions.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 704kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 45g | Sodium: 783mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.