Description

Quick and flavorful Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, cooked rice, aromatics, tomato sauce, and seasonings. This one-pot meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The tender bell peppers hold a nutritious, customizable filling that is both hearty and colorful, ideal for a wholesome family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
1 cup cooked rice
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup broth or water

Seasonings & Herbs

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Optional Ingredients

1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan)

Instructions

Prepare the Peppers: Wash the bell peppers and cut off their tops. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes to create hollow vessels for stuffing.
Make the Filling: Turn on the Instant Pot sauté function and heat olive oil. Cook chopped onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add ground meat and brown until no longer pink. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine.
Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling evenly into each pepper, pressing down lightly to pack firmly without overstuffing. Sprinkle cheese on top if using.
Pressure Cook: Pour broth or water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place a trivet inside and set stuffed peppers upright on the trivet. Seal the lid and set the cooker to high pressure for 10 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove peppers using tongs. Garnish as desired with parsley, extra cheese, or sour cream. Serve hot alone or with sides like salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Choose fresh, firm bell peppers without bruises for the best texture.
Leave some room when stuffing peppers to prevent overflow during cooking.
Use a trivet to keep peppers upright and avoid direct contact with liquid.
Allow natural pressure release to help peppers cook gently and maintain shape.
If filling is watery, drain excess liquid before stuffing to prevent sogginess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Instant Pot, Stuffed Peppers, Quick Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Ground Meat, Healthy, Gluten Free