This low-carb dish takes easiness to the maximum. It makes time in the kitchen feel like a relief. Stuffed peppers (and stuffed vegetables generally) may be the dinner I cook most frequently if I kept a tally. It’s just too hard to resist such a nutritious meal in one snug package! Italian Stuffed Peppers and Mexican Stuffed Peppers have been my (and my readers’) favorite way to combine a lean protein, whole grain, and vegetables in a single, scrumptious bundle. And of course, I couldn’t even let my cookbook go to print without a stuffed peppers recipe (Taco Stuffed Mini Peppers. YUM!). So, get your copy here to taste my best version yet. These Instant Pot stuffed peppers have a tremendous advantage over other cooking methods: you do not need to cook the meat first before stuffing the peppers. Just like my Crockpot Stuffed Peppers (a stand-out amongst the ever-expanding list of slow cooker recipes on my site), the meat cooks directly inside the peppers in the Instant Pot. You don’t need to brown it first, saving you a step, and pan to wash. A set-it-and-forget-it meal that tastes fantastic and leaves me fewer dishes in the end? Now THAT is my kind of gift!
The Best Way to Cut Stuffed Peppers
The way you cut bell peppers prior to stuffing them depends upon the method you’re using to cook them.
Option 1: Keep the Peppers Whole and Slice Off the Pepper Top. This method is preferable for cooking peppers in the instant pot or slow cooker, where the peppers are packed tightly side by side. The high walls of the slow cooker or instant pot help support the peppers (unlike a shorter casserole dish). Option 2: Split the Pepper in Half from Top to Bottom. This method is preferable for when you are cooking the peppers in a baking dish. In a baking dish or pan, a half pepper rests easily on its back, so you don’t have to balance it standing up.
Since we’re cooking stuffed peppers in the Instant Pot, we’ll be using Option 1.
How To Make Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
The Ingredients
Bell Peppers. The perfect base for our all-in-one healthy meal package. Bell peppers hold their shape well and complement whatever flavors you stuff inside them.Ground Turkey. For lean, tasty protein, I chose to use ground turkey. Ground chicken or beef would also work well here.Brown Rice. If you prefer to make Instant Pot stuffed peppers with no rice, feel free to use a different whole grain of choice. Instant Pot stuffed peppers with quinoa are a popular, healthy option. I would not recommend cooking Instant Pot stuffed peppers with cauliflower rice because the filling would likely get too watery and mushy in the Instant Pot.Spices. To make our stuffed peppers POP! I used a mixture of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.Diced Tomatoes + Green Chiles. Not only are we using a can of green chiles on their own, but we’re also using a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. They add a fun, zesty twist to our stuffed pepper filling!Shredded Cheese. My favorite component of a stuffed pepper is the undeniably delicious cheesy lid. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, cheddar, or a similar cheese will work great here.
The Directions
How To Store Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.To Reheat. Rewarm stuffed peppers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F. You can also reheat them gently in the microwave (cut them into a few pieces first to help them cook evenly).To Freeze. Freeze stuffed peppers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
Salad. Black Bean Corn Salad would be delicious with these stuffed peppers.Chips + Dip. The ultimate crowd pleaser! Pair your favorite tortilla chips with salsa, Corn Dip, or Vegan Queso Dip.Beans. Pack some extra protein into your meal by serving a side of Crock Pot Pinto Beans.Sweet Potatoes. Recipes for sweet potatoes like these Roasted Sweet Potatoes would be perfect alongside stuffed peppers.
More Ways to Enjoy Stuffed Peppers
Vegetarian. Use a can of black beans in place of the meat. Or try one of these delicious vegetarian stuffed pepper recipes: Spinach Artichoke Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers or Vegan Stuffed Peppers.Gluten Free. No need to make any changes! This recipe is already gluten free.Buffalo Sauce. Prefer the zing of buffalo sauce? Try these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers.Casserole-Style. If you prefer not to use the Instant Pot or turn on your oven, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole gives the same zesty flavors, but in a deconstructed style. It’s a reader fave!On the Grill. If you love a smoky, charred flavor, these Grilled Stuffed Peppers are for you.Classic. This Stuffed Peppers recipe is classic and full of flavor.
Recommended Tools to Make This Recipe
Instant Pot. This is the version I own and love. Use it to make any of these healthy Instant Pot recipes.Tongs. The easiest way to remove your peppers from the Instant Pot.Sharp Chef’s Knife. A sharp knife makes cutting the peppers easy.
