Quick Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Peppers Recipe for Busy Nights

Barefoot contessa stuffed peppers burst with vibrant Mediterranean flair, turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Colorful bell peppers cradle a savory mixture that promises pure comfort and excitement.

Robust ground meat mingles with melted cheese, creating layers of irresistible flavor.

Aromatic spices whisper tales of home-cooked goodness in every single bite.

Garten’s magical touch transforms these peppers from simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

Each pepper becomes a delicious canvas painted with rich, harmonious tastes.

Let these stuffed peppers transport you to a world of delectable home cooking!

How to Make Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Peppers

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F, setting the stage for a flavor-packed meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Craft the Savory Filling

Splash some oil into a large skillet and sizzle chopped onions until they turn soft and golden. Toss in minced garlic and tomato paste, letting the aromas swirl and intensify. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it down and cooking until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer and meld together, creating a rich and hearty base.

• Pepper Transformation

Slice bell peppers in half, removing seeds and creating cozy vessels for the delicious filling. Nestle them in a baking dish, generously spooning the beef mixture into each pepper. Scatter cheese on top, creating a melty blanket of deliciousness. Cover the dish with foil, trapping all those incredible flavors.

• Bake and Unveil

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. After 35 minutes, remove the foil to let the cheese transform into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. Give it another 10 minutes to achieve perfect texture and color. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright, final touch.

• Serve and Savor

Plate these gorgeous stuffed peppers and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation. Dig in and enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and exciting!

Tweak the Recipe for Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Peppers

Swap bell peppers with poblano or jalapeño peppers for a spicier kick or try different colors like yellow and orange to make the dish visually stunning.

Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian versions that still pack incredible flavor.

Experiment with different cheese options like feta, monterey jack, or pepper jack to transform the recipe’s taste profile and add exciting layers of richness.

Prepare the stuffed peppers up to 24 hours in advance, store covered in the refrigerator, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Serving These Stuffed Peppers with Flair

• Serve with Fresh Zest: Top these stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions for a burst of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.
• Pair with Cool Sides: Create a light Greek yogurt or sour cream sauce on the side to balance the warm, hearty peppers and add a creamy contrast.
• Wine and Dine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel to complement the robust beef and tomato flavors, elevating your meal from simple to spectacular.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftover stuffed peppers in a sealed container for a delicious next-day lunch that tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Plan Meals Around Stuffed Pepper Leftovers

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Freeze with Ease: Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen stuffed peppers will keep well for 2-3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Reheat Wisely: Warm refrigerated peppers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, ensuring even heating and preventing soggy bottoms. Microwaving works in a pinch but may slightly compromise the crisp cheese topping.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare pepper filling and peppers up to two days in advance. Store components separately in the refrigerator, assembling and baking just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and flavors vibrant.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Peppers

• Bell Peppers: Select firm, vibrant peppers without blemishes for optimal flavor and presentation.
• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for healthier option with rich, robust taste.
• Rice: Opt for long-grain white rice that maintains fluffy texture after cooking.

• Onion, Garlic: Pick fresh, firm aromatics that provide deep, savory undertones.
• Tomato Paste: Look for rich, concentrated paste without added preservatives.
• Oregano: Use dried oregano for intense, earthy herb flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Select high-quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced taste.

• Diced Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy canned tomatoes with no added salt.
• Cheese: Select melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for creamy, golden topping.
• Parsley: Pick bright green, fresh parsley for vibrant garnish.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for authentic, rich flavor profile.

Equipment List for Stuffed Peppers

• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, garlic, and browning ground beef.
• Small Saucepan: Ideal for cooking rice according to package instructions.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Provides ample space for arranging stuffed peppers.
• Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to keep peppers moist.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, for freshly grating cheese if desired.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing peppers.
• Sharp Knife: Used for dicing vegetables and preparing bell peppers.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately measure salt, pepper, and oregano.

Mouthwatering Barefoot Contessa Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic Italian Stuffed Peppers from Barefoot Contessa combine ground beef, rice, and aromatic herbs in colorful bell peppers. Fresh herbs and rich tomato sauce elevate this comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish that you will savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 6 bell peppers, tops and cores removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• ½ cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 ½ tsps dried oregano
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• chopped fresh parsley, for serving

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Cook rice in a saucepan according to package instructions until fluffy and fully tender.
2. Aromatic Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring continuously to develop rich flavors.
3. Meat Integration: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking into fine crumbles. Cook thoroughly until fully browned, draining excess fat. Fold in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper, allowing ingredients to meld together during a brief simmer.
4. Pepper Staging: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a baking dish and arrange bell peppers cut-side up. Generously fill each pepper with the beef-rice mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Cheese and Baking: Top peppers with shredded cheese, covering completely. Shield with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for 10 more minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, adding a vibrant and aromatic final element to the dish.

Notes

• Choose Pepper Carefully: Select firm, symmetrical bell peppers with thick walls to ensure they hold stuffing without collapsing during baking.
• Control Moisture Level: Drain excess fat from beef and tomatoes to prevent soggy peppers and maintain a perfect texture.
• Balance Seasoning Strategically: Taste meat mixture before stuffing peppers to adjust salt, pepper, and herbs for a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Prep Cheese Wisely: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and richer taste during the final baking stage.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg