There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly grilled bell pepper filled with a savory BBQ mixture. Imagine the smoky aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare these BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers, each one packed with tender ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and a medley of spices that dance on your taste buds. I discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight, searching for a way to escape the monotony of fast food. These stuffed peppers are not only incredibly delicious, but they also sneak in more veggies, making them a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly meal!
Whether you’re serving them for a cozy family dinner or prepping for lunch throughout the week, you’ll find that these BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers are hearty and comforting, with enough flavor to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, they taste just as amazing as leftovers—if you have any left! Let’s dive into how to make this unbeatable weeknight treat that transforms humble ingredients into something truly spectacular.
Why are these Best BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers perfect?
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and spices creates a mouthwatering experience your family will adore.
Meal Prep-Friendly: Easily make these ahead and store for busy days, ensuring you always have a delicious meal on hand.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with ground turkey or add extra veggies for a nutrition boost while maintaining the taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These peppers are a hit with both kids and adults—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Quick and Easy: They’re simple to prepare, making weeknight cooking a breeze, and we all appreciate a quick dinner option!
Best BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers Ingredients
• For the Peppers
- Bell Peppers – The perfect vessels, providing sweetness and crunch; opt for vibrant colors for added taste.
• For the Filling
- Ground Beef – The heart of the filling, enriching the dish; feel free to use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Rice – Offers heartiness; prepare long grain white rice according to package directions for best results.
- Cheddar Cheese – Adds a creamy richness; you can use any melting cheese you prefer for a fun twist.
- Red Onion – Brings in sweetness and depth; substitute with shallots if preferred.
- Garlic – Infuses aromatic flavor; garlic powder is an optional substitute that works well.
- Diced Tomatoes – Adds moisture and slight acidity to balance flavors; use fresh tomatoes as a refreshing alternative.
- Green Chilies – Provides a gentle heat; replace with jalapeños for those craving spice.
- Thyme – Infuses a delightful herbal note; Italian seasoning is a great substitute.
• For the Sauces
- Worcestershire Sauce – Elevates umami flavor; soy sauce can stand in if that’s all you have.
- Smoked Paprika – Gives a distinctive smokiness; regular paprika works if you prefer milder flavors.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for enhancing every bite; season to taste for the best results.
These Best BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers are a celebration of flavor and comfort sure to win your family’s hearts!
How to Make Best BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers
Preheat the grill: Set your grill temperature to 375°F. This ensures that the peppers cook evenly and develop a nice smoky flavor.
Prepare the peppers: Slice the bell peppers in half and remove the seeds and membranes. This creates a perfect vessel for your delicious filling.
Cook the rice: Follow the package instructions to cook your long grain white rice. Aim for fluffy, tender rice, which will add a hearty texture to the filling.
Sauté the onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced red onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s translucent and fragrant.
Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Ensure it’s browned thoroughly, which should take around 6-8 minutes.
Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. You want to release that aromatic goodness into the mix.
Combine the filling: In the skillet, add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (don’t drain!), Worcestershire sauce, green chilies, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to meld all those wonderful flavors together.
Melt cheese: Stir in half of the cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted into the mixture, creating an irresistible cheesy filling.
Stuff the peppers: Generously fill each halved bell pepper with the BBQ beef and rice mixture. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, ensuring every pepper is well-covered.
Grill the peppers: Arrange the stuffed peppers on the grill indirectly and cook for 30-40 minutes, until the peppers are softened and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Best BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This helps maintain freshness and flavor for your delicious BBQ stuffed bell peppers.
Freezer: You can freeze these peppers either before or after baking for up to 3 months. Ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: For quick meals, microwave individual peppers for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or longer if frozen, until warmed through.
What to Serve with BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers?
These vibrant bell peppers are the centerpiece of a delightful meal that evokes warmth and comfort.
Crisp Coleslaw: This crunchy salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm stuffed peppers, enhancing the meal’s overall texture.
Garlic Bread: With its buttery, garlicky goodness, it provides a perfect accompaniment to scoop up any extra filling. It’s always a favorite at the dinner table!
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, carrots, and asparagus bring a fresh flavor profile, balancing the richness of the stuffed peppers.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy corn adds a delightful sweetness, complementing the smoky flavors of the BBQ. It’s also a fun, hands-on side for everyone.
Quinoa Salad: This protein-packed salad with herbs and citrus is a light yet filling option, adding freshness and a nutritious touch to your meal.
Homemade Potato Wedges: Crispy and fluffy, these wedges are perfect for dipping in extra BBQ sauce, creating a deliciously satisfying combination.
Sweet Tea or Lemonade: A chilled drink balances the meal with a refreshing, sweet touch. These beverages will keep you cool while you enjoy your BBQ feast!
Expert Tips for the Best BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers
Choose Your Peppers: Opt for colorful bell peppers—red, yellow, or orange provide extra sweetness that enhances the flavor profile.
Cook Rice Properly: Ensure the rice is cooked according to package instructions to avoid undercooked or mushy grains in your filling.
Indirect Heat Is Key: Always grill the peppers with indirect heat to ensure they cook thoroughly without burning the outer layer.
Don’t Drain Tomatoes: Keep the juices from diced tomatoes for added moisture, preventing your filling from becoming dry.
Balance the Heat: If you want a kick, adjust the quantity of green chilies or swap for jalapeños—but keep an eye on the spice level!
Use Leftovers Wisely: These Best BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers make fantastic leftovers! Store them in the fridge and enjoy them as a delicious meal prep option.
Make Ahead Options
These Best BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers are a dream for meal prep! You can prepare the filling—combining ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and spices—up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can slice and store the bell peppers separately in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain their crunch. When you’re ready to cook, simply stuff the bell peppers with the filling, top with cheese, and grill. This method not only saves you valuable time on busy weeknights but also ensures your stuffed peppers are just as delicious and satisfying. Enjoy a wholesome dinner without the hassle!
BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers Variations
Feel free to elevate your BBQ stuffed peppers with these delightful twists that promise to excite your taste buds.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese for a creamy, non-dairy option. It adds a nutty flavor that complements the BBQ essence beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the filling for those who crave heat. This fiery addition takes the flavor to another level, appealing to spice enthusiasts.
Vegetarian Delight: Swap ground beef for black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version. This swap not only gives a new texture but also boosts the nutritional content with plant-based protein.
Quinoa Twist: Use cooked quinoa instead of rice for a grainy makeover. Quinoa adds a delightfully nutty flavor while packing extra protein, making this dish even more nourishing.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to mix in finely chopped zucchinis, spinach, or corn into the filling for a colorful, nutrient-rich twist. This veggie medley adds crunch and makes each bite even more satisfying.
Smoky Barbecue Sauce: Use a flavored BBQ sauce, like a mesquite or chipotle variety, to impart an extra smoky flavor into the mix. The unique taste will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Cheese Medley: Instead of just cheddar, blend in varieties like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an exciting cheese profile. This melty combination can amplify the flavor complexity in your stuffed peppers.
No matter how you choose to customize, these variations ensure your BBQ stuffed bell peppers remain unforgettable!
Best BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best bell peppers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Opt for firm bell peppers that have shiny, smooth skins. Red, yellow, and orange peppers provide more sweetness compared to green ones. Look for peppers that are heavy for their size; this indicates freshness. Avoid any with dark spots or wrinkles, as these are signs of overripeness.
What’s the best way to store leftover BBQ stuffed bell peppers?
You can keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This method helps maintain their flavor and texture. To maximize freshness, try to let them cool before sealing the container.
Can I freeze BBQ stuffed bell peppers, and how do I do it?
Sure thing! You can freeze these peppers either before or after baking. If freezing raw, just stuff the peppers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They’ll last up to 3 months. If they are baked, let them cool completely before wrapping. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed!
What common issues should I watch out for when making stuffed peppers?
Very! If your peppers turn out too watery, it may be due to not draining the diced tomatoes. Make sure to keep the juices for moisture but don’t overdo it. If the rice is undercooked, double-check that it’s been properly prepped according to package directions. Lastly, if the filling is too dry, consider adding a little extra Worcestershire sauce or diced tomatoes to moisten.
Are BBQ stuffed bell peppers suitable for common dietary restrictions?
Indeed, these stuffed peppers can accommodate various diets! For gluten-free options, make sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. If you’re concerned about dairy, you can substitute nutritional yeast for cheese or omit it altogether. For vegetarian or vegan adaptations, replace ground beef with lentils, quinoa, or a plant-based meat alternative, and opt for vegan cheese if desired.
What is the best way to reheat frozen BBQ stuffed bell peppers?
The more the merrier! To reheat, remove the peppers from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F, place the peppers in a baking dish, and cover them with foil. Bake for about 15 minutes or until heated through. If they were frozen without baking, you might need an additional 10-15 minutes. Enjoy at your leisure!
Best BBQ Stuffed Bell Peppers Your Family Will Love
Equipment
- - Grill
- - Skillet
Ingredients
For the Peppers
- 4 pieces Bell Peppers Choose vibrant colors for added taste.
For the Filling
- 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey.
- 1 cup Rice Prepare long grain white rice according to package directions.
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Use any melting cheese for a fun twist.
- 1 medium Red Onion Can substitute with shallots.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder can be an optional substitute.
- 1 cup Diced Tomatoes Use fresh tomatoes as a refreshing alternative.
- 1 can Green Chilies Can replace with jalapeños for added spice.
- 1 teaspoon Thyme Italian seasoning can be a substitute.
For the Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce can stand in if needed.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used for milder flavors.
- to taste Salt & Pepper Essential for enhancing flavors.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the grill to 375°F for even cooking.
- Slice the bell peppers in half and remove seeds and membranes.
- Cook long grain white rice according to package instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté diced red onion for 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and brown for 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, green chilies, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in half of the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Stuff each halved bell pepper with the filling and top with remaining cheese.
- Place stuffed peppers on the grill and cook for 30-40 minutes until soft.