Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers are a flavorful, low-carb take on a classic comfort food. With tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, cheese, and spices, this dish is hearty yet light. It’s perfect for those following a ketogenic diet or anyone looking to reduce carbs without sacrificing taste. The bell peppers offer a natural sweetness that complements the rich filling, making it a balanced and satisfying meal. This recipe is great for meal prep and can be easily customized to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cauliflower rice (or regular rice if not following keto)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup tomato sauce (sugar-free)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for sautéing
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the cauliflower rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Stuff the bell peppers with the meat and cauliflower rice mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling tightly.
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Meat Options: You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, sausage, or even a vegetarian filling like lentils or quinoa for a plant-based version.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to use other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or feta to change the flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling for a spicy variation.
Vegetable Add-ins: You can add other veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the filling for added nutrition and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover stuffed bell peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers up to the point of baking. Store the stuffed peppers in the fridge and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use regular rice instead of cauliflower rice?

Yes, if you’re not following a keto diet, you can substitute regular rice for cauliflower rice. However, this will increase the carb content of the dish.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add spice, you can incorporate diced jalapeños, chili powder, or cayenne pepper into the filling.

Can I freeze Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Are these stuffed peppers suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

How do I know when the stuffed peppers are fully cooked?

The peppers should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the filling should be heated through and bubbly. You can also check the internal temperature of the filling, which should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I add more vegetables to the stuffing?

Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or even olives for extra flavor and nutrients.

What can I serve with these Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers?

These stuffed peppers are great on their own, but you can serve them with a side of roasted vegetables, a green salad, or some keto-friendly garlic bread for a complete meal.

Can I use bell peppers of different colors?

Yes, you can use any color of bell pepper you prefer—red, yellow, orange, or green. Each will have a slightly different flavor, but all work well in this recipe.

Can I make these stuffed peppers vegetarian?

Yes, you can make the filling vegetarian by using a mixture of cauliflower rice, diced vegetables, and cheese. You can also add a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu.

Conclusion

Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers are an incredibly satisfying and flavorful meal that perfectly combines the freshness of bell peppers with a rich, cheesy filling. This low-carb, keto-friendly dish is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for meal prepping. With a hearty and flavorful filling that can be customized to your taste, it’s a great option for dinner, lunch, or even as leftovers. Enjoy the comfort of a traditional stuffed pepper while keeping it low-carb and nutritious!