Bacon Stuffed Bell Peppers
Delightfully flavored Bacon Stuffed Bell Peppers filled with crispy bacon, seasoned rice, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large large bell peppers Any color works; red, yellow, or green add a playful hue.
- 6 slices slices of bacon Feel free to use turkey bacon for a lighter touch.
- 1 cup cooked rice White or brown rice; quinoa for a nutty flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or mozzarella are fantastic options.
- 1/2 cup onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced for best flavor.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (optional) Adds moisture and flavor.
Seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- a dash smoked paprika or Italian herbs For extra flavor boost.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you prep.
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Lightly brush or coat the outsides with a bit of olive oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook your bacon until it’s crispy. Remove from the skillet and crumble it into small pieces.
- In the same skillet with a bit of the bacon grease, cook the diced onion until it turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and allow it to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Assembly and Cooking
- In a bowl, mix the crumbled bacon, cooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, diced tomatoes (if using), and half of the shredded cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Generously fill each bell pepper with the bacon mixture, pressing down gently. Top each filled pepper with the remaining cheese.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, adding a splash of water to the bottom to create steam. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
These peppers can be customized with added spice using jalapeños or red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian option, consider substituting the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.