Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
Looking for a new recipe that takes minimal effort? Then you've got to try these tender and flavor Instant Pot stuffed peppers! Packed full of goodness on the inside, these peppers not only taste good but they are good for you.
Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers Recipe
This Instant Pot stuffed peppers recipe is a great weeknight meal when you need something hearty and healthy! Loaded with ground chicken, beans, veggies, and cheese, every bite is packed with plenty of protein and flavor.
A tasty recipe doesn't have to take all evening in the kitchen to prepare. With quick dishes like Instant Pot stuffed peppers, you can have easy-peasy comfort food in no time.
Serve it up with some tasty vegetables like steamed broccoli or roasted root vegetables, or eat them all on their own. This is a really simple version of a classic recipe that takes a fraction of the time to cook than it typically does!
Instant Pot stuffed bell peppers are great for weeknight meals, but they're also a wonderful dish to make for others. Since the rice filling is stuffed into a pepper shell, they're easy to transport and great for sharing.
You'll love this tasty recipe and it's sure to quickly become a favorite that the whole family will love!
Why You'll Love this Recipe
Instant pot recipes are a game changer! You're going to love this quick meal that is loaded with protein and full of flavor:
- These tender peppers loaded with flavorful filling take less than a half hour to make. It's one of those meals that will make the evening so much easier.
- If you're looking for good meal prep recipes, then this one will be a hit. You can either make it ahead of time, or store the leftovers and reheat them later.
- The veggies in this dish have loads of nutritional benefits, and the ground chicken is a very lean meat. That makes this dish pretty healthy and it's also great for many different dietary restrictions and needs!
Ingredients
Fill colorful bell peppers with the most delicious rice stuffing. Here's all the ingredients you need:
- bell peppers, any color
- ground chicken
- uncooked rice
- black beans
- corn kernels
- diced tomatoes
- shredded cheese
- chili powder
- cumin
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt and black pepper
- water
Substitutions and Variations
Use whatever type of shredded cheese you want. Shredded cheddar, Monterey jack, mozzarella cheese, and Colby jack would all be tasty.
Feel free to use any type of large bell peppers that you want. Red bell peppers, green bell peppers, or any other color!
You can use frozen corn, fresh or canned. You'll need to use using canned black beans though!
If you prefer a healthier option, brown rice is a good choice. Keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time than white rice. So add a few more minutes to the cooking time in the pressure cooker.
You can customize the filling based on your personal. Add ingredients like diced onions, minced garlic, or your favorite spices to enhance flavor.
Changing up the type of meat you use is definitely something you can do with this recipe! Ground turkey, pork, or lean ground beef can be great substitutes.
How to Make Instant Pot Stuffed Bell Peppers
Follow these detailed instructions to make these perfect stuffed pepper:
Cut the tops of the peppers off and then remove the seeds and membranes. If you need to, trim the bottoms a bit so that the bell peppers can stand upright in the Instant Pot.
Add the ground chicken, uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to a large bowl. Mix it together until well combined.
Scoop out the filling and stuff each pepper shell with the mixture, pressing it down gently to pack it in.
Add water to the Instant Pot a place the trivet in the bottom. Arrange the stuffed peppers on the top of the trivet.
Close the lid on the electric pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. Once the cooking is complete, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes and then do a quick release.
Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the Instant Pot with tongs. Sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.
Serve the stuffed peppers with any of your favorite toppings, like sour cream, salsa or fresh cilantro.
How to Store Leftover Stuffed Peppers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave or oven until the peppers are heated through.
You can freeze leftovers too! Allow them to fully cool, then place them into an airtight container or a baking dish tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Thaw completely before reheating.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
Get creative with toppings! Besides extra cheese, consider toppings like fresh herbs, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Diced onion, sliced avocado and hot sauce would all be tasty to.
Stuffed peppers are great on their own, but also pair well with things like a side salad, some cheesy garlic bread, or roasted tomatoes. Some warm homemade cornbread with butter would also be tasty side dish.
Tips for Success
Check out these tips so that your Instant Pot stuffed peppers turn out the best they can be:
- For the most gooey and melty cheese, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents on it, so it doesn't melt as well as freshly grated cheese.
- If you have any filling leftover, you can stuff some more peppers, or hollowed tomatoes and thick zucchini boats.
- To ensure the peppers finish cooking at the same time, make sure that they are all similar in size.
- If you prefer softer peppers, you can add a few minutes to the cook time. Just be careful that you don't overcook the peppers so that it can easily hold the filling.
FAQ
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a couple days. When ready to cook, place them in the Instant Pot and follow the regular cooking instructions.
Brown rice generally requires a longer cooking time. Increase the pressure cooking time by a few minutes or consider partially cooking the brown rice before stuffing the peppers.
More Main Dish Recipes
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Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers any color
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup uncooked rice
- ½ cup black beans drained and rinsed (optional)
- ½ cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup water
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If necessary, trim the bottoms slightly to help them stand upright in the Instant Pot.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture, pressing it down gently to pack the filling.
- Add the water to the instant pot and place a trivet. Arrange the stuffed peppers on top.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of your peppers. If you prefer softer peppers, you can add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
- Once the cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes, and then carefully do a quick release.
- Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the Instant Pot using tongs. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese on top of each stuffed pepper and let it melt.
- Serve the stuffed peppers with any additional toppings you like, such as sour cream, salsa, or chopped fresh cilantro.
