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Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers: Cheesy Delight in Minutes

A flavorful, hearty meal of Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers, packed with protein, ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Natural Pressure Release 7 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 5 peppers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffing
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu.
  • 1 medium White Onion Use onion flakes or powder for convenience.
  • 1 medium Tomato Any type of tomato works well.
  • 5 cloves Garlic Can swap with garlic powder or flakes if needed.
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Paste Substitute with tomato sauce or puree if necessary.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Essential for elevating flavor.
  • 1 tsp Oregano Don't skip for best flavor.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Optional if using fresh garlic.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Omit if preferring milder flavors.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Crucial for best results.
  • 1 cup Basmati Rice Cooked.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped; swap for cilantro or dill if desired.
For the Peppers
  • 5 Bell Peppers Use mixed colors for visual appeal.
  • 1 cup Water Needed to steam in the instant pot.
For Topping
  • 5 tbsp Bolognese Sauce Choose low-sodium versions or tomato sauce for vegetarian.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Can substitute with cheddar or provolone cheese.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Baking Sheet
  • Trivet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash five vibrant bell peppers and cut off the tops carefully. Remove the seeds and inner veins, creating hollowed-out vessels ready for stuffing.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together raw ground beef, diced white onion, diced tomato, and minced garlic.
  3. Add in the tomato paste, paprika, oregano, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, cooked basmati rice, and chopped fresh parsley.
  4. Generously fill each prepared bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling tightly.
  5. Place a trivet in the bottom of your Instant Pot and carefully arrange the stuffed peppers upright on it.
  6. Pour one cup of water into the pot, making sure it does not touch the peppers. Close the lid securely and set the valve to sealing.
  7. Select the pressure cook function on your Instant Pot and set the timer for 7 minutes.
  8. Once the cooking cycle completes, let the pressure release naturally for 7 minutes before carefully switching the valve to release any remaining steam.
  9. Using the trivet handles, carefully lift the stuffed peppers out of the Instant Pot and set them aside on a plate.
  10. Spread about 5 tablespoons of Bolognese sauce on each stuffed pepper and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  11. Place the peppers on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is melty and golden.
  12. Once your cheese is bubbly and browned, garnish with additional chopped parsley and arrange on a serving platter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pepperCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 22gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 150mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 15mg

Notes

These peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly when serving.

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