Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and tangy tomato sauce, all encased in vibrant bell peppers. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The Instant Pot makes cooking these stuffed peppers quick and efficient, allowing you to enjoy a wholesome meal in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making this dish ready in just 45 minutes.
• Flavorful and Filling: With a hearty filling of seasoned ground beef and rice, these peppers are sure to satisfy your hunger.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can use any color bell peppers and easily switch up the protein to suit your preferences.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less mess after the meal is done.
• Family-Friendly: A colorful presentation and delicious taste make this dish appealing to both kids and adults.

Tools and Preparation

To make Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Using the right tools will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Metal trivet

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: Speeds up the cooking process while ensuring even cooking throughout.
• Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for preparing your ingredients quickly and safely.
• Mixing Bowl: Provides ample space for combining all your filling ingredients without spills.
• Metal Trivet: Keeps the stuffed peppers above water during pressure cooking for optimal results.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers

• 4 or 5 medium-large bell peppers (any color)
• ½ pound lean ground beef (93% or 90% lean, or ground turkey)
• 1 cup cooked brown rice (or cooked white rice)
• ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 15 ounce can diced tomatoes (drain off most of the juices)
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce (divided)
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or a combination, divided)

How to Make Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Slice the tops off of the bell peppers.
2. Use a knife and/or your fingers to remove the membranes and any seeds.
3. If needed, slice a tiny bit off of the bottom so they can stand upright.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef (Optional)

1. In your Instant Pot using the Saute function or in a hot skillet on the stove, brown the ground beef.
2. If desired, add chopped onion during this step to sauté along with the meat until softened.
3. Crumble the beef as it cooks; once browned, transfer it to a large bowl.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

1. In the same large bowl used for meat, combine:
2. Ground beef (browned or uncooked)
3. Cooked rice
4. Onion
5. Diced tomatoes
6. ¼ cup of tomato sauce
7. Italian seasoning
8. Garlic powder
9. Salt
10. Pepper
11. Half of the cheese
12. Stir until well mixed; refrigerate remaining cheese for later.

Step 4: Prepare for Pressure Cooking

1. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot inner pot (or 1 ½ cups for an 8 quart pot).
2. Place the metal trivet inside.

Step 5: Fill Bell Peppers

1. Spoon filling into each bell pepper until just topped; do not pack too tightly.
2. Arrange stuffed peppers on the trivet in your Instant Pot.
3. Top each pepper with about 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

1. Close the Instant Pot lid and set steam release valve to sealing position.
2. If you did NOT brown ground beef, set pressure cooking time to 16 minutes at high pressure using Pressure Cook or Manual button.
3. If you DID brown ground beef, set it for 8 minutes at high pressure.
4. Note that it will take about 15 minutes for the pot to reach pressure before cook time starts.

Step 7: Release Pressure

1. When cook time ends, carefully quick release by turning steam release valve to venting position using a long spoon handle.
2. Wait for all steam to escape before opening lid; check internal temperature reaches at least 165° F.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

1. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top of each stuffed pepper.
2. Replace lid on Instant Pot for a few minutes to melt cheese before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers!

How to Serve Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Serving Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers can be a delightful experience, enhancing their flavors and presentation. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the stuffed peppers perfectly.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, croutons, and parmesan cheese add a hearty touch alongside the peppers.

Accompany with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter gives a crunchy contrast to the soft stuffed peppers.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls can be used to scoop up any leftover filling from your plate.

Add a Creamy Dip

• Ranch Dressing: A side of ranch dressing is great for dipping and adds a cool flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

To ensure your Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly choose fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality ground meat will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
• Boldly adjust cooking times: Depending on whether you brown the meat or not, adjust the cooking time as indicated in the recipe for best results.
• Boldly avoid overpacking: Filling the peppers too tightly may prevent them from cooking evenly; leave some space at the top.
• Boldly check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the filling reaches at least 165° F for safety.
• Boldly let them rest: Allowing stuffed peppers to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until crispy add color and flavor to your plate.
2. Bold Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with quinoa, veggies, and a lemon dressing offers a healthy complement.
3. Bold Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and richness alongside stuffed peppers.
4. Bold Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds freshness and sweetness that balances savory flavors of the peppers.
5. Bold Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition without overwhelming other flavors.
6. Bold Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide crunch and acidity that contrasts well with stuffed peppers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Boldly overstuffing – Filling the peppers too tightly can prevent them from cooking evenly. Leave some space at the top for expansion during cooking.
• Neglecting seasoning – Forgetting to season your filling can lead to bland flavors. Be sure to incorporate enough spices and herbs for a tasty dish.
• Skipping the trivet – Not using a trivet to hold the peppers above the water can lead to soggy bottoms. Always use a trivet for optimal cooking.
• Ignoring cook times – Different preparations require different cook times. Make sure to adjust your cooking time based on whether you browned the beef or not.
• Insufficient pressure release – Releasing pressure too quickly may cause splattering or uneven cooking. Use a long spoon to carefully manage steam release.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow stuffed peppers to cool completely before refrigerating.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

• Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave – Place one pepper on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking for warmth throughout.
• Stovetop – In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of water, cover, and steam until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I customize my Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers?

You can easily customize your filling by adding different vegetables, grains, or proteins based on your preferences.

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken would work well as alternatives to beef in your Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers.

What is the best type of cheese for topping?

Cheddar and mozzarella are excellent choices, but feel free to use your favorite cheese blend for added flavor.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers?

Cooking time varies based on preparation; expect 8 minutes if browning meat and 16 minutes if using uncooked meat.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or beans and omit any meat products for a delicious vegetarian version of stuffed peppers.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers are not only simple but also versatile and delicious. You can easily customize them with various ingredients, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy creating your unique version!

---