Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe (Barefoot Contessa) (2024)

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Do you want an easy yet impressive recipe to make for dinner? Look no further than Ina Garten’s stuffed peppers recipe.

This dish is simple to follow and tastes amazing. You’ll wow your guests with this recipe!

One of the best things about summer is all the delicious produce in season. These stuffed peppers are a perfect example of a tasty and healthy summer dish.

They’re easy to make, and you can customize them with your favorite ingredients.

If you are looking for an easy and tasty dinner idea, you should definitely check out this recipe.

You won’t be disappointed!

Article Content: hide

1 About the Ina Garten stuffed peppers

2 Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers

3 What is the best type of cheese for stuffed peppers?

4 Tips and tricks for a better recipe

About the Ina Garten stuffed peppers

Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe (Barefoot Contessa) (1)

Ina Garten’s stuffed peppers are a delicious and easy way to make a healthy and hearty meal.

The peppers are stuffed with rice, beef, and vegetables, then baked in the oven. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it is relatively quick and easy to prepare.

The stuffed peppers are also very versatile, as they can be served with various sauces or toppings.

In addition, the dish can be easily made ahead of time and reheated later. As a result, Ina Garten’s stuffed peppers are a great option for busy families or individuals who want to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal.

Should I use yellow, red, or green peppers?

The type of pepper you use is up to you. Ina Garten’s recipe calls for green peppers, but you can also use red or yellow peppers. If you are looking for a more colorful dish, you can use a mix of different colored peppers.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

One of the best things about Ina Garten’s stuffed peppers recipe is that it is relatively quick and easy to make.

The dish can be on the table in about an hour, which makes it perfect for a weeknight meal.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it is very versatile. You can stuff them with whatever you like.

Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers

This easy Ina Garten stuffed peppers recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The bell peppers are stuffed with a flavorful combination of rice, ground beef, and tomatoes, then baked in the oven until tender. Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients

6 Large bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 pound Ground beef
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 Onion, diced
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Uncooked rice
1 can Diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 ounces)
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, and rice, and cook until the beef is browned and the rice is tender about 10 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
Place the bell pepper halves in a large baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture into the peppers, then sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly about 30 minutes.
Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy!

Keyword How to Cook Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers

How do I know when the peppers are done?

The peppers are done when they are tender, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

You can test the peppers by inserting a fork into them. If the fork easily pierces the peppers, they are done. These cheesy stuffed peppers are best served immediately.

Can I add or replace some ingredients?

This Ina Garten stuffed peppers recipe is very versatile.

If you are not a fan of beef, you can easily swap it out for ground chicken or turkey.

Vegetarians can also make this dish by leaving out the meat and increasing the amount of rice.

You can add other vegetables to the dish, such as diced zucchini or yellow squash. The possibilities are endless! It is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your liking; Ina Garten’s stuffed peppers recipe is sure to please.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can easily be made ahead of time.

Simply prepare the peppers as directed and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the peppers in a 350-degree oven until they’re warm.

What is the best type of cheese for stuffed peppers?

Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe (Barefoot Contessa) (3)

For many people, stuffed peppers are comfort food. They are warm, filling, and can be easily customized to suit any taste. Cheese is one of the most important factors in making a great stuffed pepper.

Many types of cheese can be used, but some work better than others.

For example, cheddar cheese is a popular choice because it melts well and has a sharp flavor that pairs well with other ingredients.

However, the best type of cheese for stuffed peppers is sharp, shredded cheese.

Sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Asiago cheese are all great options because they are milder and will not overwhelm the other flavors in the dish.

Ultimately, the best type of cheese for stuffed peppers is one that will melt well and complement the other ingredients. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it does not melt as well.

What type of rice should I use?

The type of rice you use is up to you. Ina Garten’s recipe calls for white rice, but you can also use brown rice or another type of rice. If you are looking for a more nutritious dish, you can use brown rice.

Tips and tricks for a better recipe

Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe (Barefoot Contessa) (4)

First of all, use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.

Add some chopped veggies to the beef mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
Use fresh diced tomatoes instead of canned ones for a fresher flavor.
To save time, cook the rice in advance.
For a vegetarian option, use Beyond Meat crumbles or cooked lentils in place of the ground beef.
For a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
To make it a complete meal, serve with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat leftovers in the oven, microwave, or stovetop until heated.
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.
To make it gluten-free, use GF rice and cheese, and omit the breadcrumbs from the Parmesan topping.

Finally, try serving these stuffed peppers with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Yum!

Final Words

Ina Garten’s stuffed peppers recipe is a delicious and easy way to feed your family or friends.

This dish is very versatile and can be tailored to your liking. It can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to eat. You can make this recipe even better with just a few simple tips. Give it a try today!

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Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe (Barefoot Contessa) (2024)

FAQs

Do you need to boil peppers before stuffing them? ›

I definitely suggest par-cooking the bell peppers first, just a little bit before stuffing them. Not only does this help to soften the bell peppers, but it also cuts down on your cook time. As the bell peppers are cooking you can make the filling, shaving off about 20 minutes from your total cook time.

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How do you keep stuffed peppers from getting soggy? ›

How to Prevent Watery Peppers

Pre-cook Peppers. When you bake peppers that are not pre-blanched or cooked, it is normal that they release their natural water – which can be easily avoided by pre-cooking beforehand. ...
Use Leftover Rice. Does this tip sound familiar to you? ...
Save Cheese for the Topping.

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Why do my stuffed peppers fall apart? ›

The problem stems from the common practice of boiling the peppers to start. The goal is to tenderize them before they're stuffed and baked, but generally the poor fellas are over-boiled, which results in their tendency to fall apart and, as noted, be flavorless.

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How do you get stuffed peppers to stand up? ›

To easily stuff bell peppers and keep them upright during baking, arrange and then bake them in a Bundt, tube, angel food, or muffin pan (spray with nonstick spray first). The peppers stay upright, freeing your hands for assembly.

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How long do you boil peppers to soften them? ›

To boil bell peppers: Cook peppers, covered, in a small amount of boiling salted water for 6 to 7 minutes or until crisp-tender. To sauté bell peppers: Heat a skillet with 2 to 3 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add bell peppers and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes.

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Do you cook stuffing before you stuff? ›

If you're using raw meat, poultry or shellfish to make your stuffing, cook those first, add them to your stuffing mix and then immediately stuff your bird. If you're preparing the stuffing ahead of time, cool it immediately and placed it in shallow containers in the refrigerator.

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Why do my stuffed peppers taste bland? ›

Seasoning. Peppers can be quite bland on their own so seasoning the inside of the cavity with salt is very important. Be sure to taste your stuffing prior to filling the peppers and make any adjustments there as well.

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What goes good with stuffed peppers? ›

Roasted or sautéed veggies side dishes would pair nicely as a light side dish for the Italian stuffed peppers: Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Zucchini, or Sautéed Zucchini are three favorites. If you are roasting vegetables, you can place the sheet pan in the oven with the peppers. Salad.

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Why are my stuffed peppers tough? ›

If the peppers aren't tender when the cheese is melted, and the filling is hot, simply tent the pan with foil and continue baking until they are. Cut the Pepper in Half from Stem to End. When making stuffed peppers in the oven, I find splitting them from top to bottom best.

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Why are my stuffed bell peppers watery? ›

First and foremost, it's essential to precook your peppers. Bell peppers contain more than 90% water, much of which is released during the cooking process. If you cook your stuffed peppers in one fell swoop, that moisture will release and end up in the final dish.

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Can you save stuffed bell peppers? ›

Freezing stuffed bell peppers is an excellent way to preserve their flavors and enjoy them at a later time. By following the proper steps for freezing and reheating, you can maintain their flavor and prevent freezer burn. Peppers wrapped in plastic wrap and foil will last 4-6 months in a deep freezer.

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Can dogs eat bell peppers? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bell peppers as a healthy, low-calorie snack on the odd occasion. They even pack a nutritional punch! As long as you clean them beforehand and remove the seeds and core, peppers can offer a series of health benefits to your dog.

How long do stuffed peppers last in the fridge? ›

Make ahead: The peppers can be stuffed and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead. Add 10 minutes baking time. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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Why do you boil peppers for stuffed peppers? ›

Pre-cooking is the idea of quick-starting the cooking process of your stuffed pepper. Since stuffed peppers can take as long as 45 minutes to bake, shortening that down with a quick boil really helps me out.

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Is it better to parboil peppers for stuffed peppers? ›

ANSWER: Some recipes call for blanching the peppers to soften them slightly; others do not. Green peppers at a local store were stuffed with a raw ground meat mixture and looked as though they were not boiled or blanched. If you bake peppers this way, they will take longer to cook and will hold their shape better.

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Do you have to cook peppers before canning? ›

Instructions for Canning Sweet Peppers: The skins of bell peppers or sweet peppers are more tender, so they generally do not need to be blistered and peeled (thank goodness). Simple quarter or roughly chop bell peppers and cover them with water in a pot. Boil for 3 minutes, then transfer to pint or half-pint jars.