These Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers Are A Busy Cooks Dream

Stuffed peppers are one of those dishes that look impressive but are actually very easy to make. With just four bell peppers of roughly the same size and a few simple ingredients, you can create a visually appealing and flavorful meal.

In this recipe, lean ground beef, a couple of tablespoons of cooked rice, diced carrots, onions, and a splash of tomato paste make up the delectable filling. While traditionally baked, this recipe takes a major leap in flavor and convenience when made in the Instant Pot.

By utilizing the Instant Pot’s vegetable steam function, you ensure a flawless outcome—peppers that are tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The steam setting, combined with the steamer rack, transforms the traditional baked stuffed peppers into a hassle-free delight.

This method not only saves time but also guarantees uniform cooking, eliminating the risk of dryness or overtoasting. Elevate your stuffed pepper game with the Instant Pot, turning a seemingly intricate dish into a simple delicious meal.

Why You Should Try Stuffed Peppers:

1. A visually enticing, easy-to-prepare dinner with minimal Weight Watchers points – stuffed peppers are a favorite healthy dinner. Pair it with a light soup as an appetizer, and you have a complete lunch.

2. The pepper filling is versatile and a great way to use leftovers; whether it’s shredded chicken, tuna, or burger meat, combined with various vegetables, it forms a flavorful, flexible base that doesn’t necessitate a trip to the supermarket.

Servings: 4

Serving size: 350 g.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers (color of your preference)
• ½ cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 250 g. lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash the bell peppers thoroughly, cut off the tops carefully, and remove all veins using a sharp knife.

2. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onions, sauté until onions are translucent. Add diced carrots and continue to sauté until they soften.

3. Incorporate the lean ground beef and rice, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

4. Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the prepared filling, ensuring they are packed but not overfilled. Secure the tops of the peppers with wooden toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.

5. Place the Instant Pot’s steamer rack at the bottom. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot. Arrange stuffed bell peppers on the steamer rack. Close the Instant Pot lid, set the steam function, and cook for 8-10 minutes.

6. Allow the Instant Pot to depressurize naturally before opening. Carefully remove the stuffed peppers using tongs. Sprinkle grated cheese on top for added flavor, texture, and creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions:

1. To reduce the points value, substitute brown rice with cauliflower rice and swap beef for shredded chicken for a zero-point alternative.

2. Stuffed peppers are forgiving, as virtually any filling works – try shredded chicken, tuna, or even carnitas; they all blend seamlessly.

3. Experiment with additional vegetables such as peas, corn, or mushrooms, ensuring they complement the chosen protein.

Tips and Tricks for making Stuffed Peppers:

1. Select peppers of the same size for uniform cooking, taking the time to choose and ensure even cooking.

2. Thoroughly wash the peppers, remove the tops carefully, and use a sharp knife to remove all veins before stuffing.

3. When cutting, leave the tops next to the bases to avoid confusion while filling.

4. Secure the tops with wooden toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.

5. After Instant Pot cooking, allow the pot to cool slightly before removing the rack. Using tongs to lift the rack is the safest method.6.  When serving, a sprinkle of grated cheese on top of the fillings adds flavor, texture, and creaminess.

WW Points

Bell pepper 0 points
Uncooked 95% lean ground beef 6 points
Onion 0 points
Carrots 0 points
Olive oil 1 points
Ground cumin 0 points
Black pepper 0 points
Cooked long grain brown rice 3 points
Garlic 0 points
Tomato paste 1 points
Table salt 0 points