Stuffed Bell Peppers with Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Chicken and Mashed Potatoes is a hearty, delicious dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and flavorful spices, all encased in sweet roasted red bell peppers. This balanced and satisfying recipe is perfect for family dinners, offering a nutritious meal with lean protein from chicken and a good dose of vegetables. The combination of seasoned chicken and mashed potatoes, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, creates a comforting and savory meal. Plus, it’s customizable—swap the chicken with ground pork or add jalapenos for an extra kick. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this wholesome meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Seasoning:

  • 133g Chicken breast (cut into small pieces or minced)
  • 14g (0.5 Tbsp) Minced garlic
  • 4g (0.5 Tbsp) Curry powder
  • 2g (0.5 Tbsp) Chili powder
  • 60g (3 Tbsp) Tomato pasta sauce
  • 2 pinches of salt
  • Black pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 250g Potato (1 medium-sized potato)
  • 3 pinches of salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2-3 Tbsp Milk (optional, for creamier texture)

For the Paprika Seasoning:

  • 1.5 Large red bell peppers (cut in half, seeds removed)
  • Olive oil (for brushing the bell peppers)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Toppings:

  • Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, amount as desired)
  • Parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the Bell Peppers:
    • Cut the large red bell peppers in half, remove the seeds and the membranes, and brush the insides lightly with olive oil.
    • Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper on the peppers for seasoning.
  3. Roast the Bell Peppers:
    • Place the bell pepper halves on a baking sheet, cut side up, and roast them in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes. You want the peppers to soften but still hold their shape for stuffing. Remove them from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

  1. Boil the Potatoes:
    • Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
  2. Mash the Potatoes:
    • Drain the water from the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher until smooth.
    • Season with salt and black pepper. Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk for a creamier texture, if desired, and mix well.
    • Set the mashed potatoes aside for the stuffing.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Filling

  1. Season and Cook the Chicken:
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat a small amount of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with curry powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
    • Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add Tomato Pasta Sauce:
    • Stir in the tomato pasta sauce and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This will give the chicken a rich, tangy flavor.
    • Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Stuff the Bell Peppers

  1. Assemble the Stuffed Peppers:
    • Take the pre-roasted bell peppers and fill each half with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes.
    • Next, add a layer of the seasoned chicken mixture on top of the mashed potatoes in each bell pepper.
  2. Add the Cheese:
    • Top each stuffed bell pepper with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese will melt and become bubbly, adding a delicious layer of flavor.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

  1. Bake the Stuffed Peppers:
    • Place the stuffed bell peppers back into the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden on top.
  2. Garnish:
    • Once baked, remove the peppers from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  3. Serve:
    • Serve the stuffed bell peppers hot. They can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Tips:

  • Bell Peppers: Use large bell peppers for better stuffing and presentation. The sweetness of red bell peppers pairs well with the savory chicken and creamy potatoes.
  • Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, add chopped jalapenos to the chicken mixture, or increase the chili powder for an extra kick.
  • Mashed Potatoes: For a richer mashed potato filling, you can add a knob of butter or cream instead of milk. You can also leave the potato skin on for added texture and nutrients.
  • Cheese Choices: While mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

Storage:

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  • Freezing: These stuffed bell peppers freeze well. To freeze, wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in the oven or microwave. If reheating in the oven, cover them with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 2 servings):

  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Protein: 30g

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken breast with ground pork, turkey, or beef. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use plant-based meat alternatives or add more vegetables like mushrooms or beans.

2. How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
For creamier mashed potatoes, add a bit of butter or cream while mashing. You can also use a hand mixer to whip the potatoes for a smoother texture.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed bell peppers up to the point of baking. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then bake them when ready to serve.

4. What can I serve with stuffed bell peppers?
Stuffed bell peppers can be served as a complete meal, but they pair well with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.

5. How do I ensure the bell peppers are cooked perfectly?
Pre-roasting the bell peppers before stuffing them ensures they become tender without overcooking once stuffed and baked. This helps retain their shape and texture.


Conclusion:

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Chicken and Mashed Potatoes are a wholesome, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrition. The combination of seasoned chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and roasted bell peppers creates a deliciously satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The added mozzarella cheese topping gives it a rich and comforting touch, while the fresh parsley adds brightness. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this stuffed bell pepper recipe is a great choice. Enjoy the versatility and warmth of this dish, and feel free to experiment with different flavors to suit your taste!