Print

Cozy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Easy Homemade Rice and Savory Sauce

cozy stuffed bell peppers - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm and comforting stuffed bell peppers recipe featuring a savory rice filling and a rich homemade sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for sweetness; green if you prefer a bit more bite)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, preferably no salt added
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (check for gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush peppers with olive oil inside and out. Place upright in baking dish.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to boil. Add rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15-20 minutes until tender. Fluff with fork and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly. Add diced tomatoes with juices, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat to low and simmer 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Add cooked rice to sauce mixture and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If reserved, stir in chopped pepper tops for extra texture.
  6. Spoon rice and sauce mixture into each bell pepper cavity, packing gently but not overflowing. Sprinkle tops with grated Parmesan if using.
  7. Cover baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender and tops are golden.
  8. Let peppers cool 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much during baking, add a splash of vegetable broth or water and cover again to keep moist. Choose peppers that stand upright or slice a thin layer off the bottom for stability. Slightly undercook rice as it finishes cooking in the oven. Sauté aromatics gently to develop sweetness. Cover during baking to keep filling moist, removing foil at the end for golden tops.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, cozy dinner, easy recipe, homemade sauce, rice filling, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/cozy-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe-easy-homemade-rice-and-savory-sauce/