There’s something magical about stuffed peppers when the weather cools and the leaves begin to turn golden. It’s comfort food with a purpose colorful, nourishing, and perfect for using seasonal produce. This Gluten Free Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice recipe has become a fall favorite on the blog, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and brings that cozy, oven-baked warmth to the table that we all crave this time of year.
The recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or sharing with guests. It combines tender bell peppers with fluffy rice, savory herbs, and a flavorful protein-rich filling. Let’s dive in.
Gluten Free Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice
Equipment
- large skillet
- cutting board
- knife
- mixing spoon
- baking dish
- aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 lb ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp ground cumin
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or dairy-free cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the tops off your bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If you like them softer, blanch them in hot water for 5 minutes, then set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add ground turkey or beef and cook until browned.
- Add drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the filling into each bell pepper and place them upright in a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these gluten free stuffed bell peppers to life:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 lb ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or dairy-free cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Tip: You can pre-cook the peppers for 5–6 minutes in boiling water to soften them slightly before filling.
Related comfort dishes like Gluten-Free One Pot Green Chili Chicken Rice or Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas also work beautifully as hearty weekday meals.
Step by Step Instructions
Let’s make it easy. Here’s how to build this satisfying meal:
1. Prepare the Peppers:
Cut the tops off your bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If you like them softer, blanch them in hot water for 5 minutes, then set aside.
2. Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add ground turkey or beef and cook until browned.
3. Mix In Flavor:
Add drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and all spices. Stir everything together and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Stuff and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the filling into each bell pepper and place them in a baking dish. Top each with shredded cheese.
5. Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Top with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.
You can serve these alongside a fresh salad or something hearty like Gluten-Free Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles for a more robust dinner spread.
Tips for Success
- Use bell peppers that can stand upright for even cooking and a cleaner presentation.
- Make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This makes stuffing and baking super quick on busy nights.
- Adjust spice levels to suit your family. Add crushed red pepper for a mild kick.
- Want it extra cheesy? Layer cheese inside the pepper and on top before baking.
You’ll find similar tips in my Easy Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes post, where I show you how to prep cozy dinners quickly.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap out the meat with black beans or lentils and boost flavor with extra garlic and cumin.
- Vegan: Use plant-based ground protein and dairy-free cheese.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add corn, jalapeños, and top with salsa before serving.
- Italian-Style: Stir in a spoonful of gluten-free pesto or marinara into the filling before baking.
For more flavor-packed, rice-based bowls, check out the Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowls or Gluten-Free Taco Bowls with Ground Turkey.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked stuffed peppers for up to 2 months. Wrap each individually and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave on medium or bake at 350°F until heated through (about 15 minutes).
If you love prepping ahead, you’ll enjoy my Easy Chicken and Veggie Lunch Boxes for weekly meal planning.
FAQs About Gluten Free Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice
1. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Yes! Cooked quinoa is a protein-rich, gluten-free swap that works well here.
2. Do I need to cook the rice beforehand?
Yes, precooked rice ensures the filling is soft and cohesive.
3. Can I make these spicy?
Absolutely add chili flakes, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce to the filling.
4. What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can also use cheddar or a dairy-free option like cashew-based shreds.
Conclusion
Gluten Free Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice are more than just a dinner they’re a comforting, vibrant, and nourishing meal you’ll turn to all season long. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish brings cozy vibes with every bite.
For more quick gluten-free meal inspiration, visit Quick Gluten-Free Chicken Stir-Fry with Veggies or Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp.