Stuffed bell peppers are a family favorite recipe that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. However, if you find yourself with leftover stuffed bell peppers or want to meal prep them in advance, freezing is a great option. This is an easy recipe meal to prep ahead. Cooking once and enjoying a meal twice is such a time saver on busy weeknights. Frozen stuffed peppers make easy lunches and quick healthy meals with little effort. I will walk you through the step-by-step process of properly freezing stuffed bell peppers and provide you with tips on how to thaw and reheat them.
I love freezing this Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers Recipe. I combine cooked Italian sausage, cooked tri-colored quinoa, frozen corn, tomatoes with green chilies, and spices and pressure cook them in the Instant Pot. This recipe always has leftovers so freezing the rest is a great way to preserve them for another time.
If you like stocking the freezer with easy meals you may also like: Air Fried Chicken Flautas, Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers, and How to Freeze Granola.
If you like Stuffed Bell Peppers but want an easier version check out my Ground Beef Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe for a quick and easy one-pot dinner.
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Jump to:
- What You’ll Need
- Cooking Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Freezing Instructions
- Reheating Frozen Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Reheating Thawed Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Serving
- How long do stuffed peppers last in the freezer?
- Tips:
- Unique ways to make stuffed pepper filling
What You’ll Need
- Leftover or meal-prepped stuffed bell peppers
- 9×12 glass baking dish or baking sheet
- Plastic Wrap
- Tin foil
- Freezer-safe container, Gallon freezer Ziploc bag, or a reusable silicone airtight bag
- Sharpie for labeling
Cooking Stuffed Bell Peppers
Regardless of the stuffed pepper recipe you are following or the cooking process you are using, the steps are the same for this freezing method.
- Remove the cooked bell peppers from the Instant Pot or the Oven and place them in a glass baking dish.
- Allow the peppers to cool on the counter at room temperature before covering them with foil or plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing them in the fridge.
- Allow the cooked stuffed bell peppers to cool completely in the fridge before moving on to the freezing process.
- Once the peppers are completely cooled remove them from the fridge and prepare them for the freezer.
Freezing Instructions
Now that your stuffed bell peppers are cooled, follow these steps to freeze stuffed peppers properly:
- Individual wrapping:
- If you prefer freezing each stuffed bell pepper separately, wrap them tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
- Place tightly wrapped peppers into a freezer bag or airtight container if needed for freezer organization.
- This method allows for easy portioning and reheating later.
- Group freezing:
- Alternatively, if you want to freeze an entire batch of stuffed bell peppers together, place a layer of parchment paper between each bell pepper to prevent sticking (optional).
- Next, double-wrap the glass baking dish in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
- Clearly label each package or container with the name of the dish and the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of the storage time and ensure you consume them within a recommended period.
- Place the wrapped or packaged stuffed bell peppers in the coldest part of your freezer. This ensures quicker freezing and maintains a consistent temperature.
Reheating Frozen Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers can be reheated from frozen, however, thawing them prior to reheating will significantly reduce the cooking time and prevent overcooking the bell pepper.Remove any plastic wrap or foil before any of these reheating methods.
- Oven reheating:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 60-75 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy topping, remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking and top with cheese.
- Instant Pot Reheating:Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Stand the frozen stuffed bell pepper on the trivet with the top facing up. Place the lid on the instant pot and set the pressure cooking time to 4 minutes. Release the pressure immediately after the one-minute cooking cycle. Top with cheese if desired and place the lid back on to allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Microwave reheating:If you’re looking for a quick option, you can use the microwave. Transfer the frozen stuffed bell peppers to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Microwave on medium power in one-minute intervals until heated thoroughly, rotate or cut the pepper in half if needed to properly heat through. Top with cheese and serve.
Reheating Thawed Stuffed Bell Peppers
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen stuffed bell peppers, follow these reheating methods:Remove any plastic wrap or foil before any of these reheating methods.
- Thawing:Transfer the frozen stuffed bell peppers from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. Thawing in the refrigerator ensures even defrosting and minimizes the risk of bacterial growth.
- Oven reheating:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place thethawed stuffed bell peppersin a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy topping, remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking and top with cheese.
- Instant Pot Reheating:Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Stand the thawed peppers on the trivet. Place the lid on the instant pot and set the pressure cooking time to 1 minute. Release the pressure immediately after the one-minute cooking cycle. Top with cheese if desired and place the lid back on to allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Microwave reheating:If you’re looking for a quick option, you can use the microwave. Transfer the thawed stuffed bell peppers to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Microwave on medium power in one-minute intervals until heated thoroughly, stirring or flipping halfway through.
Serving
Once the stuffed bell peppers are heated through, remove them from the heat source and serve immediately. You can garnish with fresh herbs like Italian parsley or cilantro, and top with grated mozzarella cheese.
How long do stuffed peppers last in the freezer?
Freezing stuffed bell peppers is an excellent way to preserve their flavors and enjoy them at a later time. By following the proper steps for freezing and reheating, you can maintain their flavor and prevent freezer burn. Peppers wrapped in plastic wrap and foil will last 4-6 months in a deep freezer. Stuffed peppers that have been vacuum-sealed can be stored long term for up to 12 months stored in the deep freezer.
Tips:
- If you are planning on freezing save cheese for later. Top the thawed & reheated peppered with cheese for the best results.
- Blanch green bell peppers to reduce bitterness. My personal preference is to use sweet peppers like orange, yellow, and red bell pepper.
- Frozen peppers are best used within 4 months if storing them in a regular freezer. Store as long as 6 months in a deep freeze unless vacuum sealed then they can last up to a year.
- Use cooked peppers with fully-cooked filling to avoid bacterial growth.
Unique ways to make stuffed pepper filling
Stuffed peppers can be made in so many different ways with different flavors, you’ll never run out of ideas for delicious stuffed peppers
Mexican Stuffed Peppers-season ground beef with chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes, combined with rice, corn, tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and top with cheddar cheese.
Italian Stuffed Peppers– use Italian sausage, season with Italian seasoning, and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Cajun stuffed Peppers– use shrimp and okra in the pepper filling. Season with cajun spices or creole seasoning.
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers-add black beans, additional diced peppers, garbanzo beans, corn, etc for a healthy meal.
How do I thaw frozen stuffed bell peppers fast?
Cold water thawing: If you need to thaw the stuffed bell peppers quickly you can use the cold water thawing method. Keep the stuffed peppers tightly wrapped in a plastic bag and submerge them in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. This method is faster than refrigerator thawing but requires more attention.
How long do stuffed bell peppers last in the fridge?
Stuffed bell peppers can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it’s important to note that the exact shelf life may vary depending on various factors, including the freshness of the ingredients used and how well the peppers were cooked and stored.
To maximize the shelf life of stuffed bell peppers in the fridge, follow these guidelines:
Cool and store promptly: After cooking the stuffed bell peppers, allow them to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
