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ITALIAN STUFFED PEPPERS (Costco Dup)

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Jenna
🫑 ITALIAN STUFFED PEPPERSCheesy • Cozy • Family-Friendly
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🫑 ITALIAN STUFFED PEPPERS
Cheesy • Cozy • Family-Friendly

Recipe by Jenna
Servings

4–6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

350–450

kcal

A simple, hearty dinner that feels comforting without being overly heavy. Tender bell peppers stuffed with seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese — easy to customize and meal-prep friendly.

✨ About This Recipe
This is one of those classic comfort meals that always works. It’s simple, filling, and easy to adapt depending on what’s in the fridge. The peppers soften while baking, the rice keeps it hearty, and the cheesy topping makes it feel like comfort food without needing a complicated recipe.
It’s also great for meal prep and reheats surprisingly well for lunches.

⚡ HEALTH BREAKDOWN (Estimated)
Per Serving (1 stuffed pepper):
Calories: ~400
Protein: 25–30g
Carbs: 25–35g
Fat: 15–20g
Fiber: 4–6g
Sodium: Moderate (depends on cheese + seasoning)

Highlights
✔ High-protein comfort meal
✔ Easy meal prep option
✔ Family-friendly & customizable
✔ Great use for leftover rice

Ingredients

  • Pepper Base

  • 4–6 bell peppers (any color)

  • 1 cup rice, cooked (white or brown)

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)

  • 1–1½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, Italian blend, or cheddar)

  • Optional Flavor Builders (Recommended)

  • Garlic powder

  • Italian seasoning

  • Onion powder

  • Salt + pepper to taste

  • Rao’s marinara or pizza sauce (mixed into filling or spooned on top)

  • Optional Add-Ins

  • Diced onions or mushrooms

  • Banana peppers for extra flavor

  • Cottage cheese stirred into filling for extra protein

  • Turkey or deer meat instead of beef

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. If needed, trim bottoms slightly so they sit flat.
  • Cook rice according to package directions and set aside.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
  • Season beef with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper if using.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice and beef mixture until evenly mixed.
  • Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice filling.
  • Place peppers in a baking dish and top generously with shredded cheese.
  • Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for golden cheesy tops.
  • Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Optional Upgrades
    Higher protein: mix cottage cheese into filling or use lean turkey/deer meat
    Lower carb: swap some rice for cauliflower rice
    Extra Italian vibes: add Rao’s marinara + mozzarella + Italian seasoning
    Family-style fun: let everyone customize their pepper fillings or toppings

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