Easy Alton Brown Stuffed Peppers Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Gem

Alton Brown’s stuffed peppers represent a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Vibrant bell peppers serve as colorful vessels for a robust, hearty filling that captures kitchen creativity.

Each pepper becomes a canvas for bold flavors and textures, blending savory meats with aromatic spices.

The recipe balances nutrition and comfort, offering a complete meal in one delectable package.

Hearty and satisfying, these stuffed peppers showcase how simple ingredients can create something truly remarkable.

Home cooks appreciate the versatility and ease of preparation that makes this dish a weeknight favorite.

The combination of tender vegetables, seasoned protein, and melted cheese promises a meal that delights every palate: let’s dive into this mouthwatering culinary adventure!

Ingredients for Alton Brown’s Stuffed Peppers

• Bell Peppers: Sweet and sturdy vessels for the hearty filling, choose firm and vibrant peppers without blemishes.
• Italian Sausage, Lean Ground Beef: Rich protein base that adds deep flavor and satisfying texture to the stuffing.
• Rice: Provides substantial body and absorbs delicious cooking liquid, use long-grain white rice for best results.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor foundation that builds depth and complexity in the meat mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that introduces traditional Mediterranean warmth to the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy umami undertone that enriches the overall meat flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and classic Italian profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds additional tomato texture and liquid to the rice mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty topping that creates golden, appealing surface with rich, creamy finish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all other ingredients.

How to Make Alton Brown’s Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers

Remove pepper stems and set aside. Carefully remove seeds from pepper shells. Finely chop the reserved pepper tops for the sauce.

Step 3: Blanch the Peppers

Boil peppers in a large pot of water for 5 minutes. Alternatively, air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.

Step 4: Cook the Meat Mixture

• Italian sausage
• Lean ground beef
• Sliced onion
• Minced garlic

Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, cooking until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.

Step 5: Create the Filling

• Rice
• Water
• Chopped pepper tops
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step 6: Simmer the Filling

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add water if needed. Remove from heat and stir in marinara sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Dish

Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Fill peppers with the rice mixture and place cut-side up in the dish.

Step 8: Add Final Sauce and Cheese

Pour remaining marinara sauce over the peppers. Top with shredded cheese.

Step 9: Bake the Peppers

Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips for Alton Brown’s Stuffed Peppers

• Slice Peppers Carefully: Use a sharp knife to create a clean, even opening without tearing the pepper's delicate skin.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Select ripe, vibrant bell peppers with smooth, glossy surfaces for the most delicious results.
• Prep in Advance: Assemble the stuffed peppers and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking to intensify the taste.
• Get Creative with Extras: Mix in leftover grains, chopped herbs, or alternative proteins to customize the filling.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in freezer-safe containers for quick weeknight dinners.

How to Store Alton Brown’s Stuffed Peppers

Store peppers in airtight glass containers to maximize freshness and prevent flavor transfer in the refrigerator. Seal each pepper individually with aluminum foil to create a protective barrier against moisture and potential freezer burn. Transfer frozen peppers to the refrigerator 24 hours before reheating to ensure even thawing and maintain optimal texture.

• Refrigeration Method: Place cooled stuffed peppers in tight-sealing glass containers, keeping them flat to preserve their shape. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and taste.
• Freezing Method: Wrap each pepper separately in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place inside freezer-safe ziplock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer crystals and maintain flavor integrity. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheating Method: Thaw refrigerated or frozen peppers completely before reheating.

Delicious Variations of Alton Brown’s Stuffed Peppers

• Veggie Power Peppers: Replace meat with a protein-packed blend of quinoa, black beans, and roasted corn for a vegetarian version that's nutrient-dense and flavorful.
• Mediterranean Magic Peppers: Swap Italian sausage for ground lamb, add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano to create a Greek-inspired stuffed pepper experience.
• Spicy Southwest Peppers: Incorporate ground turkey, add chipotle peppers, swap marinara for salsa, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-style meal.
• Breakfast Pepper Boats: Fill peppers with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions for a morning-friendly version of the classic recipe.

A Colorful and Hearty Meal with Alton Brown’s Stuffed Peppers

Savory Stuffed Peppers embody culinary comfort with Alton Brown’s masterful recipe.

Hearty ingredients meld into a symphony of robust flavors that dance across palates.

Kitchen adventurers discover a balanced blend of protein, rice, and zesty marinara transforming simple bell peppers into gourmet magic.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary meal preparations.

Pepper shells cradle a delectable mixture promising satisfaction in each carefully crafted bite.

Fellow culinary enthusiasts, dive into this recipe, share your colorful creations on social media, spark conversations with fellow cooking fans, and let passion for delicious meals connect global food lovers!

What Makes Alton Brown’s Stuffed Peppers the Perfect Family Meal

• Savor Hearty Flavor Explosion: This stuffed peppers recipe delivers a delightful mix of Italian sausage, ground beef, and aromatic spices that create a mouthwatering flavor profile bursting with rich, savory goodness.
• Master Quick and Easy Cooking: The recipe offers straightforward steps that even novice cooks can follow, with simple techniques like browning meat, simmering rice, and baking, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution that doesn't require advanced culinary skills.
• Enjoy Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with protein from meat, vegetables from peppers, and wholesome rice, this dish provides a balanced meal that feels indulgent while still maintaining a relatively low calorie count of 236 kcal per serving, making it a guilt-free comfort food option.
• Create Versatile Meal Prep Potential: These stuffed peppers can be easily prepared in advance, stored, and reheated, making them an excellent choice for busy families or individuals looking to have delicious, home-cooked meals ready with minimal day-of preparation time.

Alton Brown Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s stuffed peppers bring Mediterranean charm to dinner tables with robust flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfectly balanced textures and savory spices invite you to savor each delicious bite of this classic comfort dish.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 0.5 pound (226 grams) lean ground beef
• 0.5 pound (226 grams) Italian sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 6 bell peppers
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) petite diced tomatoes, with juice

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (85 grams) white rice, uncooked
• 1.25 cups (296 milliliters) water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2.5 cups (600 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 0.5 cup (57 grams) mozzarella or cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Carefully remove the stems from the bell peppers, setting them aside for the sauce. Slice the peppers in half lengthwise, removing and discarding the seeds and membranes.
3. Blanch the pepper halves in rapidly boiling water for 3-4 minutes to soften, or alternatively air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine Italian sausage, ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Break the meat into small crumbles while cooking.
5. Continue cooking until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat using a colander or paper towels.
6. Add uncooked rice, water, finely chopped pepper stems, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes with their juices, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more water if the rice seems dry. Once rice is tender, mix in 1/2 cup marinara sauce.
8. Spread 1 3/4 cups marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the softened pepper halves cut-side up.
9. Spoon the rice and meat mixture into each pepper half, ensuring even distribution.
10. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed peppers.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
12. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• Gently boil or air fry peppers at 400°F for 5 minutes to soften them before stuffing.
• Sweeter flavor comes from selecting red, yellow, or orange bell peppers.
• Smaller peppers can be supplemented with extra quantities or replaced with portobello mushrooms for variety.
• Leftover filling transforms perfectly into tomato soup or makes an excellent zucchini stuffing alternative.
• Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and confidently freeze for future convenient meals.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 313 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 602 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg