Toaster Oven Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Beef
These delicious stuffed bell peppers are a perfect dinner option for two, packed with seasoned beef, rice, and a blend of cheeses. Made entirely in a toaster oven, they deliver a satisfying meal with a gourmet touch.
Why This Works in a Toaster Oven
The toaster oven's compact size allows for even cooking and perfectly melted cheese on top of the stuffed peppers.
Toaster Oven Setup
- Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Setting: Bake
- Convection: No
- Rack Position: Middle
- Pan Size: 9 x 6 in (23 x 15 cm)
- Batch Size: 2 stuffed peppers
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Rotate Pan: Yes, halfway through
- Ready When: The cheese is bubbly and golden, and the peppers are tender when pierced with a fork.
💡 No convection setting? You're all set — this recipe uses the regular Bake setting, so any toaster oven can make it, with or without a convection button.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium bell peppers
- 1/2 cup (92 g) cooked rice
- 1/4 lb (113 g) ground beef
- 1/4 cup (28 g) diced onions
- 1/4 cup (30 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (57 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (28 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
Equipment
- Toaster oven
- 9 x 6 in (23 x 15 cm) baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Instructions
- Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onions until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, packing it tightly.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a 9 x 6 in (23 x 15 cm) baking dish.
- Top each pepper with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated toaster oven for 45–50 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your gourmet toaster oven dinner with these perfectly stuffed peppers!
How to Know It's Ready
The cheese is bubbly and golden, and the peppers are tender when pierced with a fork.
Troubleshooting
- If the cheese browns too quickly, cover the peppers loosely with foil and continue baking.
- For softer peppers, increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes.
- If the filling seems dry, add a tablespoon of tomato sauce to the mixture before stuffing the peppers.
- Ensure the peppers are evenly sized to cook at the same rate.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Variations
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add chopped spinach to the filling for extra greens.
- Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
- Try adding corn kernels to the filling for sweetness.
FAQ
Can I make these stuffed peppers vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional vegetables like mushrooms.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice or brown rice both work well, but ensure it's fully cooked before mixing into the filling.
How do I prevent the peppers from toppling over?
Choose peppers with flat bottoms or slice a thin layer off the bottom to create a stable base.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What other toppings can I use?
Try sour cream, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.