Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Peppers

Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers recipe from the Barefoot Contessa cookbook is one of the best and easiest to make. This stuffed pepper recipe is made with ground beef, cooked rice, Monterey jack, and other tasty ingredients. These stuffed peppers will take about 40-45 minutes at 400°F to finish baking and can serve about 6 people. Feel free to leave your feedback about the recipe.

Stuffed Peppers Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 6 bell peppers, tops, and cores removed
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 (14.5-oz.) can of diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Monterey jack
• Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

How To Make Stuffed Peppers 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Follow the instructions on the package to prepare the rice in a small saucepan.
2. As the rice is cooking, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and stir occasionally until it softens, which should take about 7 minutes. Next, add the garlic and tomato paste, stirring until they release their aroma, which should take about another minute. 
3. Now, add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue this until the beef is no longer pink, which should take about 6 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat.
4. Now, add the cooked rice and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Season the mixture with oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces a bit. This should take around 5 minutes.
5. Arrange the peppers with their cut side facing up in a 13″x9″ baking dish. Drizzle them with oil. Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper and top them with cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil.
6. lace the peppers in the preheated oven and bake until they become tender. This should take about 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is bubbly, which should take about 10 more minutes.
7. Finally, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving.

What Temperature Do You Cook Stuffed Peppers 

The optimal temperature range for baking Stuffed Peppers is between 350 to 400°F. This means you can bake stuffed bell peppers at 350, 375, and even 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Long To Bake Stuffed Peppers At 400 

At 400°F, Stuffed Peppers should be baked for a total of 40 to 45 minutes. This includes 35 minutes of baking time covered with aluminum foil, followed by an additional 10 minutes of baking time uncovered until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. 

How Long To Bake Stuffed Peppers At 375 

When baking at 375°F, Stuffed Peppers require approximately 45 to 50 minutes. 

How Long To Bake Stuffed Peppers At 350 

When baking at 350°F, Stuffed Peppers will take about 50 to 55 minutes. 

How Long Do You Cook Stuffed Peppers With Raw Meat 

If you choose to skip the step of browning the meat and instead stuff the peppers with raw meat, the cooking time will be a bit different. Stuffed peppers with raw meat will take about 50 to 55 minutes in the oven at 400°F. 

Do You Cover Stuffed Peppers When Baking 

Yes, as previously explained, stuffed bell peppers should initially be baked and covered with aluminum foil for the first part of the baking time, typically around 30 minutes. After this, continue the remainder of the baking time uncovered. 

Do You Have To Boil Peppers Before Stuffing Them 

If you prefer your peppers to be soft, then yes, it’s a good idea to boil them before stuffing them. Simply boil the peppers in water or chicken broth for about 3-4 minutes before stuffing. This process will soften them and prepare them for the filling.

Do You Cook Rice Before Stuffing Peppers 

Yes, it’s necessary to cook the rice before stuffing it into the peppers. Simply boil the rice in water for about 15-20 minutes until it’s tender, or you can use a rice cooker if you have one. 

What Kind Of Rice For Stuffed Peppers

Both white rice and brown rice work well for stuffed peppers due to their texture and ability to absorb flavors. However, try to avoid using instant rice as it can become overly soft and mushy, which can affect the overall texture of the stuffed peppers

What To Eat With Stuffed Peppers 

The best dishes to eat with stuffed peppers are fresh salad, garlic bread, or even a light soup. You can also enjoy them with a side of roasted vegetables or a serving of quinoa.

What Sides Go With Stuffed Peppers 

Here are the top 5 sides that go well with stuffed peppers:

1. Shrimp Orzo Salad
2. Kale Soup
3. Lettuce Soup
4. Chicken Chili
5. Ham And Cheese Quiche

What Vegetable Goes Good With Stuffed Peppers 

Here are five vegetables that pair well with stuffed peppers:

1. Steamed Broccoli
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
3. Grilled Asparagus
4. Sautéed Spinach
5. Roasted Zucchini

How Long Do Stuffed Peppers Last In The Fridge 

When properly stored, stuffed peppers can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To store correctly, allow the leftovers to cool first, then wrap them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before placing them in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Stuffed Peppers

Yes, stuffed peppers freeze well and can last frozen for about 3-4 months in the freezer. Here’s how to freeze stuffed peppers:

1. Allow the stuffed peppers to cool after baking, then wrap each stuffed pepper with freezer-safe bags or aluminum foil. 
2. Remove as much air from the bags as possible and then seal it well.
3. Write the freezing date on each bag and then place it in the freezer.

You don’t need to thaw frozen stuffed peppers before serving again, simply reheat them directly from frozen.

How To Reheat Stuffed Peppers 

If your stuffed peppers are cold and refrigerated, you can simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes.

If your stuffed peppers are frozen, you can reheat them directly in the oven at 350°F for about 40-45 minutes.

Stuffed Peppers Calories And Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 419
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated fat: 10 g
• Trans fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Sodium: 767 mg
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Protein: 21 g

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas
• Ina Garten Sloppy Joes
• Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo
• Barefoot Contessa Chicken Scarpariello