Stouffer’s Stuffed Peppers Copycat Recipe: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Ever craved the comforting taste of Stouffer’s Stuffed Peppers but wished you could recreate it at home? I totally get it! There’s something special about that perfect blend of seasoned ground beef or turkey, savory vegetables, and melted cheese all nestled inside a tender bell pepper. It’s a timeless favorite that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal.

Ingredients

Tools And Equipment

To successfully recreate Stouffer’s Stuffed Peppers at home, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Skillet

Use this to cook the ground beef or turkey and sauté the vegetables until they’re perfectly seasoned.

• Mixing Bowls

Ideal for combining the cooked meat, rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings to ensure an even mixture.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors. These tools help you add the right amounts of ingredients.

• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board

Essential for chopping onions, garlic, and slicing the bell peppers with precision and safety.

• Baking Dish

A casserole-style dish provides ample space for arranging the stuffed peppers and allows them to bake evenly.

• Aluminum Foil

Use this to cover the baking dish if needed, preventing the peppers from drying out during baking.

• Oven

A reliable oven ensures that your stuffed peppers cook thoroughly, with the cheese melting beautifully on top.

• Spatula or Spoon

Perfect for filling the peppers and mixing ingredients smoothly without making a mess.

Having these tools on hand will make the preparation process seamless and allow you to focus on creating a delicious homemade version of Stouffer’s Stuffed Peppers.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing Stouffer’s Stuffed Peppers ahead of time can save you valuable time during busy weekdays or when hosting gatherings. Here’s how I like to streamline the process:

Assembling in Advance

1. Prepare the Filling:

• Cook the ground beef or turkey with onions and garlic in a large skillet until browned.
• Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, shredded cheddar, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly.

1. Stuff the Peppers:

• Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
• Fill each pepper generously with the prepared meat and rice mixture.

1. Wrap for Storage:

• Place each stuffed pepper in an individual airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

1. Refrigeration:

• Store the assembled peppers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

Freezing for Future Use

1. Prepare and Stuff:

• Follow the same steps to prepare and stuff the peppers as mentioned above.

1. Flash Freeze:

• Lay the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
• Freeze them uncovered for about 2 hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

1. Store Properly:

• Transfer the frozen peppers to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and contents. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

1. Baking from Frozen:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Remove the packaging and place the frozen peppers in a baking dish.
• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Thawing Before Baking

1. Refrigerator Thawing:

• Move the frozen stuffed peppers from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to bake them.
• Allow them to thaw completely, which usually takes about 24 hours.

1. Baking Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the thawed peppers in a baking dish.
• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and the peppers are tender.

Tips for Success

By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy the comforting taste of homemade stuffed peppers with minimal effort, whether you’re preparing for a busy week or planning ahead for special occasions.

Directions

Let’s dive into creating these delicious stuffed peppers. Follow each step to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Prepare Peppers

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash the bell peppers thoroughly under cold water.
3. Cut the tops off each pepper and remove the seeds and membranes using a spoon or a knife.
4. If necessary, trim the bottom of the peppers slightly to ensure they stand upright in the baking dish.
5. Place the prepared peppers in a baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly.

Prepare Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
5. Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture.
6. Mix in 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until well combined and heated through.

Assemble Peppers

1. Spoon the filling evenly into each prepared bell pepper, packing the mixture firmly.
2. Top each stuffed pepper with ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.

Bake Peppers

1. Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the peppers to soften.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Carefully remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Trying out this copycat recipe has been a delightful adventure for me. There’s nothing like enjoying a homemade version of a classic comfort food that brings everyone together.

I hope you give these stuffed peppers a try and find the same warmth and satisfaction in your kitchen. Happy cooking!