Authentic Greek Grilled Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Introduction

Transport your taste buds straight to the sunny Mediterranean coast with these succulent Greek Grilled Stuffed Peppers. There is something truly magical about the combination of sweet, charred bell peppers and a savory, herb-infused filling that captures the essence of Greek cuisine. Unlike the traditional oven-baked version, preparing these on the grill infuses the dish with a distinct smokiness that elevates the flavors to a gourmet level. The high heat blisters the skin of the peppers perfectly while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

This recipe is designed to be the centerpiece of your next outdoor gathering. Whether you are using an Arteflame grill to achieve that perfect sear on the flat top or a standard grate, the result is a vibrant, colorful dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Packed with protein, aromatic herbs, and the salty tang of feta cheese, this meal is a celebration of fresh ingredients and open-fire cooking.

Ingredients

Produce

• 6 large Bell Peppers (mixed colors: red, yellow, and orange)
• 1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup Fresh Mint, chopped
• 1 Lemon (for zest and juice)

Pantry & Dairy

• 1 lb Ground Beef or Lamb (optional, leave out for vegetarian)
• 1 cup Cooked Rice (long grain or arborio)
• 1 can (14 oz) Diced Tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

1. Wash the bell peppers thoroughly under cold water.
2. Slice the tops off the peppers and reserve them to use as lids later.
3. Carefully remove the seeds and white membranes from the inside of the peppers using a spoon or paring knife, ensuring the outer walls remain intact.
4. Brush the outside of each pepper lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt.

Step 2: Create the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or lamb), cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, and drained diced tomatoes.
2. Add the crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, fresh mint, and dried oregano.
3. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and squeeze half the lemon juice into the mixture.
4. Season generously with salt and pepper, then mix by hand until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Spoon the filling mixture into each hollowed-out bell pepper. Pack the filling down gently but firmly to ensure they are full without splitting the pepper.
2. Leave about a quarter-inch of space at the top as the filling may expand slightly during cooking.
3. Place the reserved pepper tops back onto each stuffed pepper.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an Arteflame, get the flat cooktop hot.
2. Place the stuffed peppers upright on the grill. If using a flat top, place them closer to the center for higher heat initially, then move them to the outer edge to roast slowly.
3. Grill for 25 to 35 minutes. Rotate the peppers occasionally to ensure the skins char evenly and the filling cooks through. The peppers are done when they are soft to the touch and the filling reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Tips

To master this recipe, heat management is your best friend. When grilling stuffed peppers, you want to cook the filling through without completely burning the bottom of the pepper. If you are using an Arteflame grill, utilize the different heat zones on the plancha cooktop. Start the peppers in a hotter zone to get a sear on the bottom, then slide them to a cooler zone to let the internal ingredients roast slowly without carbonizing the skin.

Another pro-tip is to par-cook your rice. Since grilling times can vary, using fully raw rice might result in a crunchy texture inside your soft peppers. Using cooked or at least par-boiled rice ensures that every bite is fluffy and tender. Finally, don't skimp on the olive oil; the fat helps conduct the heat into the filling and keeps the peppers moist during the open-fire cooking process.

Variations

One of the beauties of this Greek Grilled Stuffed Peppers recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt the filling to suit different dietary needs or flavor profiles without losing the essence of the dish. For a lighter, lower-carb option, you can swap the rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa, which adds a nutty flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the char from the grill.

• The Vegetarian Delight: Omit the meat entirely and replace it with chickpeas or chopped zucchini and extra feta for a hearty meat-free main.
• The Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling mix for a fiery contrast to the cool feta.
• The Cheese Lover: Swap the feta for goat cheese or mix in some mozzarella for a gooier, meltier texture.
• Grain Swap: Use couscous or orzo instead of rice for a different texture that holds the juices exceptionally well.
• Lamb Twist: Use 100% ground lamb and add a pinch of cinnamon to the spice mix for an ultra-traditional Greek flavor profile.

Best pairings

These stuffed peppers are robust enough to stand on their own, but they really shine when paired with complementary Mediterranean sides. Since the peppers are rich and savory, you want sides that offer acidity and freshness to cut through the richness. A classic Tzatziki sauce is almost mandatory; the cool yogurt, cucumber, and dill provide the perfect creamy counterpoint to the hot, charred peppers.

For a complete feast, serve these alongside a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and red onions dressed in a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. If you are feeding a crowd, grilled pita bread brushed with garlic oil is excellent for scooping up any stray filling. Beverage-wise, a crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Greek Assyrtiko pairs wonderfully, while a light lager works well for a casual backyard barbecue vibe.

Conclusion

Bringing the flavors of the Greek isles to your backyard has never been easier or more delicious. These Greek Grilled Stuffed Peppers offer a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors that are sure to impress family and friends alike. The process of grilling them adds a depth of flavor that oven roasting simply cannot replicate, making the extra effort of firing up the grill well worth it.

We hope this recipe inspires you to get outside and experiment with your grill. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the creative variations, the result is a healthy, comforting meal that feels like a special occasion. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the vibrant taste of the Mediterranean right at home.