Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers: The Ultimate Recipe for Classic Comfort

There is something inherently satisfying about a dinner that looks as good as it tastes. And when it comes to classic American comfort food, few dishes deliver the flavor, warmth, and visual appeal of homemade stuffed bell peppers. If you’ve been searching for a reliable, flavorful, and genuinely easy stuffed bell peppers recipe, your quest ends here. We are diving into a recipe that takes the traditional elements tender bell peppers, savory ground meat, perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, and fluffy rice and simplifies the process, making it an achievable weeknight masterpiece.

Forget the complicated steps and lengthy prep times often associated with this dish. Our version focuses on building maximum flavor quickly by utilizing staple pantry ingredients and a straightforward baking method. This recipe is designed not just for experienced cooks, but for anyone looking to bring a wholesome, hearty, and impressive meal to the table. Whether you call them comfort food perfection or a vegetable vessel carrying culinary excellence, these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are guaranteed to become a family favorite. They are savory, saucy, cheesy, and packed with everything you need for a complete meal in one tidy package.

We’ll guide you through preparing the perfect meat and rice filling, ensuring your peppers bake up tender never crunchy and topping them off with just the right amount of melted cheese. Get ready to master the art of the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, securing a spot for this dish in your regular dinner rotation. This approach ensures maximum flavor melding with minimal fuss, proving that homemade classics don’t have to be complicated.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

The beauty of the stuffed pepper lies in its simplicity and versatility, but this particular recipe elevates the experience through strategic flavor layering and ease of preparation. You’ll love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between homestyle cooking and modern convenience, resulting in a dish that feels special without demanding hours of kitchen labor. This truly is the definition of Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers.

A Perfect Weeknight Dinner Solution

One of the biggest struggles for busy families is finding dinner recipes that are nutritious, satisfying, and quick enough to prepare after a long day. While stuffed peppers might seem like a weekend project, this streamlined recipe fits seamlessly into a weeknight schedule. By pre-cooking the rice and utilizing the oven for the heavy lifting, the hands-on time is dramatically reduced. The process of browning the meat and softening the vegetables takes less than 15 minutes, meaning you can have these peppers ready for the oven almost instantly. Once they are nestled in the baking dish, your work is done the oven handles the rest, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the aroma of Italian seasoning and savory tomatoes fills your kitchen.

Unbeatable Flavor and Texture Combination

The key to a spectacular stuffed pepper is the interaction between the soft, sweet pepper shell and the dense, savory filling. We achieve this by adding a bit of liquid (broth and crushed tomatoes) to the baking dish. This creates a steamy environment that gently cooks the peppers to fork-tender perfection while simultaneously infusing the meat and rice stuffing with moisture and flavor. The combination of ground meat, aromatic onion and garlic, the tang of crushed tomatoes, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce creates a deep, umami-rich filling that is anything but bland. And let’s not forget the finale: the gooey blanket of melted mozzarella or cheddar cheese, adding a delightful creamy counterpoint to the savory filling. For another comforting baked meal that combines rich textures and satisfying flavors, you might also enjoy our recipe for The Ultimate Classic Cheesy Broccoli Casserole.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Leftovers

If you are a fan of preparing meals ahead of time, this recipe for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers is your new best friend. The peppers can be fully assembled stuffed and placed in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, just pop them into the oven, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to account for the chill. Furthermore, stuffed peppers make fantastic leftovers. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or, even better, wrapped in foil in a toaster oven, making them perfect for lunch the next day. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the second day’s meal arguably even better than the first. This durability and excellent reheating capacity ensure zero waste and maximum efficiency in your weekly meal plan.

Why You Should Try This Recipe for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Beyond the simple preparation and delicious taste, integrating Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers into your cooking repertoire offers several compelling benefits, focusing on nutrition, family appeal, and cooking confidence. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a canvas for healthy eating and a dependable crowd-pleaser.

A Nutrient-Dense, Balanced Meal

Bell peppers are nutritional powerhouses, particularly rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. By using the pepper itself as the “bowl,” you maximize your vegetable intake in a fun and appealing way. The filling provides a balanced combination of macronutrients: high-quality protein from the ground meat (whether beef or turkey), complex carbohydrates from the rice for sustained energy, and essential vitamins and fiber from the onions, garlic, and tomatoes. When you serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, you are presenting a complete meal that requires no additional side dishes, simplifying your plating and ensuring your family gets a well-rounded dinner. The vibrant colors of the peppers especially red and green add phytonutrients and make the plate visually engaging, encouraging even picky eaters to dive in.

Family-Friendly and Highly Customizable

Stuffed peppers possess universal appeal. Kids love the novelty of eating out of a colorful edible bowl, and adults appreciate the savory depth of the filling. This recipe is also highly adaptable to different dietary needs and flavor preferences within the family. If one member prefers spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to their portion of the filling. If another prefers leaner meat, ground turkey works perfectly. The use of ground meat and rice, foundational components in many comfort foods, ensures instant familiarity and acceptance. This predictability makes Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers a low-stress option for feeding a varied group.

Boosting Kitchen Confidence

While elegant in presentation, the steps for making these stuffed peppers are fundamentally basic: browning meat, sautéing aromatics, mixing, and baking. This foundational structure makes it an excellent recipe for new cooks looking to gain confidence in the kitchen. Mastering this classic dish opens the door to experimenting with variations, such as different types of grains (quinoa, wild rice), alternative fillings (sausage, lentils), or ethnic flavor profiles (Mexican, Greek). Starting with this reliable recipe for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers gives you a solid base from which to launch more complex culinary explorations. It’s a win-win: a stunning meal and a confidence boost, all wrapped up in one colorful pepper.

Essential Ingredients and Tools for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

To achieve the best results with this recipe, quality ingredients and the right kitchen tools are crucial. While the ingredients list is straightforward, understanding the role of each component, from the type of rice to the seasoning blend, ensures a successful and flavorful dish. Let’s break down everything you need to make perfect Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers.

For the Bell Peppers (The Vessel)

• 4 large bell peppers (any color, preferably red or green): Use large, firm peppers that stand up easily in the baking dish. Green peppers offer a slightly more vegetal, bitter note, while red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter. Choosing a mix of colors adds visual appeal.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used lightly on the peppers before baking to help them soften and prevent drying out.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the vegetable vessel itself.

For the Savory Filling (The Heart of the Dish)

This is where the magic happens. A well-seasoned filling transforms the peppers from a simple vegetable to a hearty main course.

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey: Either protein works perfectly. If using ground beef, an 85/15 blend offers great flavor, but ensure you drain the fat properly. Ground turkey keeps the dish leaner and lighter.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped: The aromatic base of the filling. Sautéing the onion until translucent adds necessary sweetness and depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is non-negotiable for that authentic, savory flavor.
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (divided): Using crushed tomatoes rather than diced tomatoes provides a smoother, richer sauce consistency in the filling. We divide the can half for the stuffing mixture and half for the baking sauce.
• 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice (cooked according to package directions): Crucial for absorbing the tomato and meat juices, binding the filling together, and providing texture. Tip: Always use cooked rice; adding uncooked rice will soak up too much moisture and potentially prevent the peppers from cooking thoroughly. This requirement makes the recipe incredibly versatile, as you can easily use leftover rice from a previous night’s dinner.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme that provides the classic, comforting, earthy flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional): This secret weapon adds a deep, savory, slightly tangy umami note that enhances the meat flavor without overpowering the dish. Highly recommended if using beef.
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water: This is mixed with the remaining crushed tomatoes to create the baking liquid at the bottom of the dish. The steam created by this liquid is vital for softening the peppers.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Proper seasoning at every stage (meat, filling, and sauce) is key to flavorful Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers.

For the Topping (The Finishing Touch)

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Mozzarella offers stringy stretchiness, while cheddar provides sharpness. Use a high-quality, pre-shredded blend for quick and easy application.

Necessary Utensils & Tools for Success

While you don’t need highly specialized equipment, having the right tools makes the preparation of these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers much smoother:

• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: This standard size is perfect for accommodating four large peppers while providing enough surface area for the baking liquid to steam effectively.
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for browning the meat and building the filling base. A heavy bottom helps ensure even cooking.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Necessary for cleanly slicing the tops off the peppers and finely chopping the onion.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy in seasoning and liquid measurement is key.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for breaking up the ground meat and stirring the filling without scratching your skillet.
• Small Spoon: Helpful for scooping out the seeds and membranes from inside the bell peppers, creating a smooth cavity for the stuffing.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to tightly cover the baking dish during the initial phase of baking, trapping moisture and steam necessary for tenderizing the peppers.
• Colander or Fine Mesh Sieve: Crucial for draining excess fat from the ground meat after browning (if using beef).

By preparing these simple, high-impact ingredients and gathering your essential tools, you set yourself up for a stress-free and delicious cooking experience. Remember, the secret to the best Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers often lies in the prep work!

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Follow these detailed steps carefully to ensure your peppers are tender, your filling is savory, and the whole dish comes out perfectly baked. These instructions translate the quick steps into actionable culinary advice, guaranteeing the best possible results for your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers.

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers and Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This medium heat is ideal for slow, even baking, allowing the peppers to soften without the filling drying out. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Wash and dry the bell peppers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the tops of the peppers (the stem end). Tip: Don’t discard the tops yet! They can be used later as ‘lids’ to help trap steam and maintain the shape of the pepper during baking.
3. Use a small spoon or your fingers to scoop out and remove all the seeds and white membranes from inside the peppers, creating a hollow cavity ready for stuffing.
4. Lightly rub the inside and outside of the peppers with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt. This simple seasoning prevents the peppers from tasting bland once baked. Place the peppers cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat for the Filling

1. Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey.
2. Cook the meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. You want no pink remaining.
3. Crucial Step: Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet and discard it. Failing to drain the fat will result in a greasy, soggy filling.

Step 3: Create the Flavorful Filling Base

1. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onions are softened and translucent. This sweetens the onions and removes their raw bite.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic tastes bitter.
3. Pour approximately half of the can of crushed tomatoes into the meat mixture, ensuring you reserve the remaining half for the baking sauce later.
4. Stir in the Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture for 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This short simmer time deepens the savory notes of your stuffing base.

Step 4: Combine and Stuff the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. Remove the skillet from the heat. Now, fold in the 1 cup of cooked rice. Mix gently until the rice is evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture. This is your finished stuffing. The rice absorbs the excess moisture, binding the ingredients perfectly.
2. Using a large spoon, carefully fill each bell pepper with the prepared stuffing mixture. Pack the stuffing firmly but do not overflow the peppers; a slight mound is acceptable. Ensure the filling remains inside the pepper cavity.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking (The Steam Method)

1. In the corner of the baking dish, away from the peppers, pour the remaining half of the crushed tomatoes. Add the 1/2 cup of beef broth or water around the stuffed peppers. This liquid is essential as it helps steam the peppers and keeps them incredibly tender and prevents the filling from drying out during the long bake time.
2. If desired, place the reserved bell pepper tops back onto the stuffed peppers like lids. This helps further lock in moisture and flavor.
3. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is critical for generating the steam needed to soften the peppers.

Step 6: Bake the Peppers to Perfection

1. Place the covered dish into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
2. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the bell peppers are fork-tender. Test for tenderness by gently piercing the side of the pepper with a fork; there should be minimal resistance. The baking time will vary depending on the thickness and color of your peppers. Green peppers often take slightly longer than red or yellow ones.

Step 7: Finish and Serve (The Cheesy Finale)

1. Remove the dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Remove the pepper tops (if used).
2. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper, ensuring generous coverage.
3. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
4. Let the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to settle and makes them easier to handle. Serve them right out of the baking dish with some of the accumulated tomato broth/sauce drizzled over the top for extra moisture and flavor.

Tips, Variations, and Troubleshooting for Your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

While this recipe for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers is highly reliable, knowing how to customize it and handle common kitchen hiccups can ensure perfection every time. Embrace these variations to adapt the dish to your dietary needs or flavor cravings.

Ingredient Substitutions and Flavor Variations

• Make it Vegan or Vegetarian: Omit the ground meat and cheese. Substitute the meat with 1 cup of brown lentils (cooked) and 1/2 cup of finely chopped mushrooms, or use a plant-based ground substitute. Increase the onion and garlic quantities for flavor depth. Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free shredded cheese for the topping.
• Go Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use rice and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free.
• Try Different Grains: Instead of white rice, try cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice. Note that denser grains like brown rice may absorb less liquid, so adjust the crushed tomatoes slightly if the mixture seems too wet.
• Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of chili powder, a dash of cumin, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a Southwestern twist. You could also swap the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrient content by finely dicing and adding ingredients like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms into the meat mixture before cooking. This helps increase the volume and nutritional value of your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers. For quick weeknight meals using ground turkey and vegetables, check out our Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet recipe.
• Cheese Alternatives: For a Greek flair, swap mozzarella for crumbled feta cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Pro-Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

The two most frequent complaints about stuffed peppers are that the peppers remain too hard or the filling is dry. Here is how to prevent those issues:

1. Preventing Tough Peppers (Par-Baking):

If you prefer your peppers extremely soft, or if you are using very thick-walled green peppers, you can par-bake them first. After Step 1 (cleaning and seasoning the peppers), bake them uncovered for 15 minutes before adding the filling and liquid. This pre-softening ensures they reach maximum tenderness alongside the filling.

2. Ensuring a Moist Filling:

The importance of covering the dish tightly with foil during the initial bake cannot be overstated. The trapped steam is what keeps everything moist. Also, do not skip the baking liquid (crushed tomatoes and broth) at the bottom of the pan; this generates the necessary humidity. If your filling seems dry after mixing in the rice, feel free to add a splash more broth or tomato sauce directly to the stuffing before filling the peppers.

3. Proper Rice Preparation:

Always use cooked rice. Uncooked rice will attempt to absorb all the liquid in the pan, leading to a bone-dry filling and possibly crunchy rice. If you are rushing, quick-cooking microwave rice pouches are a great shortcut for this recipe.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

One of the strongest arguments for making Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers a staple in your meal plan is their exceptional nutritional profile. This dish is fundamentally a balance of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and high-impact vitamins derived from fresh vegetables.

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, based on 4 servings, using 90% lean beef):

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients (e.g., ground turkey vs. ground beef, full-fat vs. low-fat cheese).

• Calories: Approximately 400 – 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g – 35g (Excellent source of muscle-building protein)
• Fats: 15g – 20g (Varies significantly based on meat and cheese choice)
• Carbohydrates: 35g – 40g (Includes complex carbs from rice and natural sugars/fiber from vegetables)
• Fiber: 4g – 6g

Health Benefits of the Key Components

Bell Peppers (The Star):

Bell peppers, especially the red and yellow varieties, are celebrated for their Vitamin C content often containing more Vitamin C than an orange. This supports immune function and acts as a powerful antioxidant. They are also high in Vitamin A and B6, which are vital for healthy vision and metabolism. Incorporating a whole pepper per serving significantly boosts your daily micronutrient intake while keeping the overall calorie count moderate.

Lean Protein (Ground Meat):

Whether you choose ground beef or turkey, the meat provides essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and satiety. Opting for lean cuts (90% or higher) minimizes saturated fat while maximizing protein. Protein keeps you full longer, helping manage appetite and overall calorie consumption.

Crushed Tomatoes (Lycopene Source):

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced risk of certain cancers. Cooking tomatoes, as we do in this filling, actually increases the bioavailability of lycopene, making the nutrient easier for the body to absorb. The tomato sauce also provides potassium, which is important for regulating blood pressure.

Rice (Energy Source):

The long-grain white rice provides easily digestible complex carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary source of energy. This ensures that the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a highly satiating meal that fuels you for hours, avoiding the energy crash associated with highly refined sugars.

By combining these elements, this recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful meal that supports balanced nutrition and provides a spectrum of beneficial vitamins and antioxidants. This is truly comfort food that you can feel good about eating.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

We’ve walked through every step, from selecting the perfect bell pepper to achieving that ideal fork-tender texture and gooey cheese topping. This recipe for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers proves that classic, hearty comfort meals don’t require an overwhelming amount of effort. By focusing on simple, high-impact ingredients and utilizing the steaming power of a covered bake, we’ve created a dish that is reliable, nutritious, and absolutely delicious.

The blend of savory meat, seasoned rice, bright tomato sauce, and sweet pepper creates a symphony of flavors that appeals to everyone at the dinner table. Whether you are meal prepping for a busy week, seeking a family-friendly favorite, or just craving the nostalgic taste of home cooking, these stuffed peppers fit the bill perfectly. They offer flexibility for variations, forgiveness for beginners, and fantastic leftovers that only improve with time.

So, ditch the dinner decision fatigue and grab your skillet. It’s time to transform simple ingredients into a stunning, complete meal. Give this recipe a try tonight, and discover why these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are celebrated as the ultimate comfort food container. If you love discovering simple, hearty comfort food recipes like this, be sure to check out our Easy Slow Cooker Ham Bone Bean Soup for another effortless meal idea.

We always love hearing about your kitchen successes! Did you try a variation? What color peppers did you choose? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. For more cozy dinner ideas on Pinterest, follow my dedicated boards and never run out of meal inspiration again!

Easy Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

A classic, comforting weeknight meal featuring bell peppers loaded with seasoned ground meat, rice, and rich crushed tomatoes, baked until tender and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Bell Peppers

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt for seasoning the peppers

For the Filling

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey lean preferred
• 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes divided; half for filling, half for baking sauce
• 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• to taste Salt and black pepper

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven

Method

 

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Wash the peppers, slice off the tops (reserving them), and scoop out all seeds and white membranes. Lightly rub the inside and outside of the peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the peppers cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat

1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned (6-8 minutes). Drain and discard any excess fat.

Step 3: Create the Filling Base

1. Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour approximately half of the can of crushed tomatoes into the mixture (reserve the other half). Stir in the Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Stuff

1. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the 1 cup of cooked rice until evenly combined. Carefully fill each bell pepper with the prepared stuffing mixture, packing firmly.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

1. In the bottom of the baking dish, pour the remaining half of the crushed tomatoes and the 1/2 cup of beef broth or water around the stuffed peppers. This liquid prevents drying and promotes steaming.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. If desired, you may use the reserved pepper tops as 'lids'.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

1. Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the bell peppers are fork-tender.
2. Remove the dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
3. Let the stuffed bell peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

To save time, you can prep the bell peppers and cook the filling up to a day ahead. Store the filling separately and stuff the peppers just before baking. If you prefer softer peppers, you can parboil them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes before seasoning and stuffing.