If you’re looking for a vibrant and satisfying appetizer or snack, this Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe is an absolute must-try. These little pockets of sweetness filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground meat and creamy cheese deliver an explosion of flavor in every bite. They’re quick to prepare, visually colorful, and just perfect for sharing or enjoying as a tasty treat any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using straightforward ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and inviting colors. Each component plays a special role, from the sweet peppers’ crispness to the herbs’ fresh aroma.
- Mini sweet peppers: Choose a mix of red, yellow, and orange for a colorful and naturally sweet base.
- Ground turkey or beef: Provides the hearty, savory filling that makes these peppers truly satisfying.
- Cream cheese or cheddar cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling together perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Complements the garlic with a subtle sweetness enhancing the meat’s flavor.
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro): Adds bright, fresh notes and a burst of green color for garnish.
How to Make Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Get your oven ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the perfect temperature to bake the stuffed peppers until they are tender with slightly charred edges, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the mini peppers
Slice each mini sweet pepper lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds. Laying them cut-side up on your baking tray ensures they will hold the filling securely and roast evenly.
Step 3: Cook the ground meat
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook your ground turkey or beef until nicely browned. Draining the fat helps keep the filling from becoming greasy, and folding in garlic powder and onion powder at this stage infuses the meat with savory flavor.
Step 4: Add the cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately mix in your choice of cream cheese or cheddar. Stirring until melted creates a rich, creamy filling that will seize wonderfully inside each pepper half.
Step 5: Stuff the peppers generously
Take your prepared pepper halves and fill each one generously with the warm meat-and-cheese mixture. The combination of textures and flavors here is what makes this Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Place the filled peppers in the oven for about 20 minutes until the edges start to char and the filling bubbles with cheesy goodness, signaling they are ready. Finish by garnishing with finely chopped fresh herbs to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro are perfect for sprinkling on top just before serving. They add a refreshing brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling and enhance the visual appeal, making these peppers look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs brilliantly with light side dishes like a crisp green salad or a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip. The cool crunch and acidity balance the warm, cheesy peppers perfectly, rounding out a delicious meal or appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun gathering, arrange the stuffed peppers on a vibrant platter surrounded by colorful dipping sauces like spicy sriracha mayo or tangy chimichurri. You can even serve them as finger foods on skewers for an easy-to-eat party treat that will impress all your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stuffed mini peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen after a day, making them just as delicious, if not more, the next time you enjoy them.
Freezing
While these peppers are best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge for a convenient ready-made snack.
Reheating
Reheat stuffed mini peppers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain their texture and avoid sogginess. Microwaving is quicker but can make the peppers softer, so oven reheating is preferred for preserving that perfect bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe is very flexible. Ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives work wonderfully and still deliver great flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs for garnish?
No worries. You can substitute dried herbs by mixing a little into the filling or sprinkle dried parsley on top after baking to add that herby hint of freshness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap out the ground meat for cooked quinoa, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms combined with the cheese for a vegetarian delight that’s just as tasty and filling.
How spicy are these peppers?
Mini sweet peppers are naturally mild and sweet, so this recipe is not spicy, making it perfect for all age groups and taste preferences.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Since the stuffed peppers keep well and reheat nicely, they make a wonderful make-ahead meal or snack. Just prepare and bake the peppers, then store and reheat when needed for a quick, satisfying option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s both colorful and packed with flavor, you really must try this Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe. It’s approachable, versatile, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Once you make it, I’m sure it will become a favorite in your kitchen too—trust me, these little peppers pack a big punch!
Print
Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers recipe features sweet mini peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and melted cheese, seasoned with garlic and onion powders, then baked to perfection. Ideal as a flavorful appetizer or light meal, it’s quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 12 mini sweet peppers
Meat
- 1 pound ground turkey or ground beef
Dairy
- 4 ounces cream cheese or cheddar cheese, softened
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Peppers: Slice each mini sweet pepper in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds. Arrange the pepper halves cut-side up on the prepared baking tray.
- Cook Meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground turkey or beef. Cook the meat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Season Meat: Stir the garlic powder and onion powder into the cooked meat, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the softened cream cheese or cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Stuff Peppers: Generously spoon the meat and cheese mixture into each pepper half, filling them completely.
- Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the stuffed peppers for about 20 minutes, or until the edges of the peppers are charred slightly and the filling is bubbly and hot.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro over the top before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef depending on preference.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- If you want a vegetarian option, replace meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground substitute.
- Make sure to remove seeds from the peppers to avoid bitterness and to create space for the stuffing.
- The recipe can be prepared ahead by assembling the peppers and refrigerating before baking.
