If you’re a busy family searching for quick and wholesome weeknight meals, you’re in the right place! Stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic option for a satisfying dinner, but finding the perfect side dishes to complement them can sometimes be a challenge. I’ve put together this list of over 20 of the best side dishes for stuffed bell peppers that are not only delicious but also simple to prepare. Whether you’re in need of a veggie-packed side, a hearty addition, or something light and refreshing, these sides will be perfect for your stuffed bell peppers.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipes
First up is a list of my stuffed pepper meal recipes, which includes a classic Italian stuffed pepper recipe using ground turkey, a chicken option, and a stuffed pepper casserole option, too. You can’t go wrong with any of them, honestly!
- The Best Italian Stuffed Peppers – feel free to substitute turkey with ground beef
- Ground Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- Lasagna Stuffed Peppers
- Oven Baked Stuffed Pepper Casserole – only takes 5 minutes of prep
Quick and Easy Sides to Serve with Stuffed Peppers
Since stuffed bell peppers have the classic flavors of Italian food, it will pair well with many of your favorite Italian-inspired side dishes. Here’s a list of easy side dish options the whole family will enjoy.
- Antipasto Salad
- Pesto Cheese Bread
- Easy Rotini Pasta Salad
- Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes – the parmesan cheese is a *chef’s kiss*.
- Caesar Salad
- Slow Cooker Tomato Soup – only 10 minutes of prep
Kid-Friendly Sides to Serve with Stuffed Peppers
For a great side dish that is sure to please the kiddos, check out these kid-friendly sides.
- Brown Butter Broccoli – kids love this broccoli!
- Garlic Cheese Bread
- Easy Dinner Rolls
- Rice – go with plain or give it a boost of flavor with my lemon rice
The Best Healthy Sides for Stuffed Bell Peppers
If you’re looking for delicious side dishes that are on the healthier side, try one of these lighter recipes that still tastes amazing without a lot of calories.
- Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad
- Italian Quinoa Salad
- Side salad with homemade Italian dressing or the perfect lemon vinaigrette
- Arugula salad with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper
Vegetable Sides Perfect for Stuffed Bell Peppers
Because aren’t we all always trying to get in more veggies?
- Garlic Green Beans – a healthy, vegetable side that’s SO easy
- Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
- Italian House Salad
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Zucchini Fries
- Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Low-Carb Sides to Pair with Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Sautéed Spinach
- Pesto Roasted Veggies – More vegetables never hurt anyone and pesto is perfect to compliment the Italian flavors of the stuffed pepper casserole.
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Spaghetti squash or zoodles with red sauce or garlic and olive oil
If you’re looking for the perfect side to go with stuffed peppers, this list will be a keeper. If you need more side dish ideas, check out my other side dish recipes here.
If you have a tried and true recipe that you love to serve with stuffed bell peppers, make sure and let me know in the comments!
How are you supposed to eat stuffed peppers?
There’s really no wrong way to eat stuffed peppers. Either dig in with a fork or spoon, or cut the pepper into pieces with a knife. You could even remove the stuffing and eat it separately, but the taste of the stuffing and the pepper together in each bite is a must in my opinion.
How long do you bake stuffed bell peppers?
You will want to bake the stuffed bell peppers for at least 30min, sometimes longer, depending on the size of your peppers and to make them crisp-tender. To brown the tops, turn your broiler on for a couple minutes at the end of cooking – it’s optional but worth it!
Can I reheat stuffed peppers?
You can reheat stuffed peppers in the oven @ 350°, recovering with foil and baking for 30-35min.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes! To freeze before cooking, place prepared peppers in a freezer bag or air-tight container and freeze. To freeze after cooking, let peppers cool completely before placing them in a freezer bag or air-tight container.
What meat is best for stuffed peppers?
Any type of ground meat works when making stuffed peppers. Turkey, beef, chicken, or pork, whichever your heart, or tastebuds, desire!
Classic Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 sweet bell peppers
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mushroom, finely chopped
- 2 cups riced cauliflower, not cooked
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
- Sautè the onion, mushroom, and cauliflower rice and garlic over medium heat until soft. Add the ground turkey and Italian seasoning and and continue to cook, stirring and breaking up the meat until the meat is cooked. Add the marinara sauce, reserving 1 cup for the topping, and stir to combine.
- Cut the tops off of the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in a casserole dish, cut side up. If the peppers won’t stand trim the bottom slightly to create a flat surface.
- Fill each pepper with 1/4 of the meat mixture and top with 1/4 cup sauce and 1/4 cup cheese.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove foil and continue to cook for 5 more minutes.
- To serve, remove from casserole dish, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Leave a Reply