Name: Stuffed Bell Pepper Boats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed; 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Stuffed bell pepper boats are a wholesome and colorful dish made by filling fresh bell peppers with a hearty mixture of protein, grains, and vegetables. They are both satisfying and nutritious, making them a great choice for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings. The peppers serve as edible vessels, holding a delicious blend of flavors while keeping the dish light and healthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These stuffed bell pepper boats are a versatile and complete meal in one. The tender baked peppers balance perfectly with the savory, seasoned filling. You can easily customize the recipe with your choice of protein, grains, or seasonings, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. They are also visually appealing and a fun alternative to traditional stuffed peppers, as the boat-style presentation makes them easy to serve and enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bell peppers, halved and deseeded
Ground beef, turkey, or chicken
Cooked rice or quinoa
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning or preferred spices
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the bell peppers lengthwise, remove the seeds, and place them on a baking dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, cooked rice, and seasonings. Let simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
Fill each bell pepper half with the prepared mixture.
Top with shredded cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for about 25–30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings (two pepper halves per person).
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Substitute rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or couscous.
Make it vegetarian by using black beans or lentils instead of meat.
Add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables.
Use different cheese varieties such as feta or pepper jack for unique flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the pepper boats in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. They can also be reheated in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, though the oven preserves the texture better. For longer storage, freeze stuffed pepper boats (before baking) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

FAQs

Can I make stuffed bell pepper boats ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them when ready to serve.

Do I need to pre-cook the peppers?

It is not necessary, as baking softens them. However, if you prefer very tender peppers, you can parboil them for 3–4 minutes before stuffing.

What can I use instead of rice?

You can substitute rice with quinoa, barley, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace the meat with beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How do I prevent the peppers from becoming watery?

Avoid overfilling with liquid-based sauces and bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

What type of bell pepper works best?

Any color works, but red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly more bitter flavor.

Can I freeze cooked stuffed peppers?

Yes, but the texture of the peppers may soften further when reheated. It is best to freeze them before baking for optimal results.

How can I make them spicier?

Add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free grains and seasonings.

Can I cook them in the air fryer?

Yes, place stuffed pepper boats in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–18 minutes, checking for tenderness.

Conclusion

Stuffed bell pepper boats are a simple yet flavorful meal that combines fresh vegetables with hearty fillings for a balanced dish. They are easy to customize, can be prepared in advance, and are both family-friendly and nutritious. Whether you enjoy them with meat, vegetarian fillings, or unique seasonings, they are a versatile recipe worth adding to your weekly menu.