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Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

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These Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and easy meal that combines tender bell peppers with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and Italian-seasoned tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Cooked quickly in the air fryer, this recipe offers a comforting dish with a perfect balance of flavors and textures in under an hour.

Ingredients

Peppers

  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • Diced tops of the bell peppers (reserved from slicing)

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (15–ounce) can no salt added tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peppers: Slice the top off each bell pepper and dice the tops. Set the diced tops aside. Remove and discard the seeds and membranes from the remaining whole peppers to create pepper vessels ready for stuffing.
  2. Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and reserved pepper tops, cooking for 6-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Simmer the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat slightly and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice until evenly combined.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment for even cooking.
  5. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon about 1 to 1¼ cups of the prepared filling into each hollowed bell pepper, packing the filling tightly to maximize flavor and hold.
  6. Air Fry the Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers upright into the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes to heat through and start cooking the peppers.
  7. Add Cheese Topping: Carefully open the air fryer and top each pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Return the peppers to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  8. Serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the air fryer carefully and serve hot. Enjoy this delicious and easy meal!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Using no salt added tomato sauce helps control sodium, but adjust seasoning to taste.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the stuffed peppers at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, then add cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Cook rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save time.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/air-fryer-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe/