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Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Here's a family-friendly stuffed peppers recipe with a touch of cumin for added flavor. This recipe is perfect for kids, as it balances healthy ingredients with kid-approved taste!
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Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Peppers (Serves 4-6)

  • 6 medium bell peppers (any color: red, yellow, green, orange)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken (use plant-based ground meat for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • ½ cup frozen corn kernels
  • ½ cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Salsa

Instructions
 

Prepare the Peppers

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
  • Lightly drizzle olive oil on the peppers, both inside and out, and place them upright in a baking dish. Set aside.

Cook the Filling

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground meat. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
  • Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
  • Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the cooked rice and ½ cup of shredded cheese.

Stuff the Peppers

  • Generously fill each bell pepper with the prepared mixture, pressing down slightly to pack them tightly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers.

Bake

  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

  • Let the peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced avocado.

Notes

Tips for Cooking with Kids

  • Let kids help wash the peppers and scoop out the seeds.
  • Older kids can help measure spices and mix the filling.
  • Allow them to sprinkle cheese on top of the peppers—it’s fun and easy!
Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful meal with your family!