Introduction
Grilled stuffed peppers are one of the easiest and most flavorful dishes you can make on an Arteflame grill. The open-fire heat caramelizes the peppers beautifully while adding a rich smoky note to every bite. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or enjoying a simple weeknight dinner on the patio, this recipe delivers hearty comfort with minimal effort. The combination of melted cheese, well-seasoned ground meat, and charred peppers makes this a go‑to dish for any grilling enthusiast. If you're searching for an outdoor recipe that balances simplicity and bold flavor, these Arteflame grilled stuffed peppers are the answer.
Ingredients
Stuffed Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops removed and seeds cleaned
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the grill
- Preheat your Arteflame grill to medium-high heat.
- Lightly oil the cooktop surface to prevent sticking.
- Place the peppers near the outer edge of the grill to warm while prepping the filling.
Step 2: Cook the filling
- Add olive oil to the hot grill surface.
- Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Mix thoroughly until heated through.
Step 3: Stuff the peppers
- Remove peppers from the grill and fill each one generously with the meat and rice mixture.
- Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
- Return the stuffed peppers to the grill, placing them near the outer ring for indirect heat.
Step 4: Finish on the Arteflame
- Cover the peppers loosely with a grill-safe lid or dome if available.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes or until peppers are tender and cheese is fully melted.
- Remove carefully and serve hot.
Tips
These grilled stuffed peppers taste even better when you take a few extra steps to enhance their texture and flavor. The key to great results is managing heat zones on your Arteflame so the peppers soften slowly without burning. Also, mixing the cheese directly into the filling instead of only topping can create an even creamier interior. If your peppers tend to topple, slice a small sliver off the bottom to stabilize them without creating a hole. For deeper smoky flavor, let the peppers grill empty for a few minutes before stuffing.
Variations
This versatile recipe can be adjusted for different tastes, diets, and occasions. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or looking to experiment with bold flavors, stuffed peppers are an ideal canvas for customization. Try swapping proteins, adding veggies, or using international spice blends to completely change the dish’s character.
- Use ground chicken with taco seasoning for a Tex‑Mex twist.
- Replace rice with quinoa for a lighter, protein-packed version.
- Add black beans, corn, and cilantro for a Southwestern style.
- Use Italian sausage and mozzarella for an Italian-inspired filling.
- Make it vegetarian with mushrooms, lentils, and spinach.
Best pairings
These grilled stuffed peppers pair beautifully with fresh sides that complement their smoky richness. Whether serving them as the star of your backyard cookout or as part of a complete outdoor meal, pairing them with crisp salads, grilled vegetables, or refreshing drinks helps round out the experience. The smoky char from the Arteflame benefits from cool, acidic, or herbaceous accompaniments.
- Grilled corn on the cob with lime butter
- A light cucumber and tomato salad
- Garlic herb roasted potatoes
- Chilled lemonade or iced tea
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
Conclusion
These Arteflame grilled stuffed peppers offer an unbeatable combination of smoky flavor, satisfying texture, and simple preparation. They’re a crowd-pleasing favorite that works for weekday grilling or weekend gatherings alike. With endless variations and pairing options, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit any taste or dietary preference. Fire up your grill and enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as it is bold.