If you’ve never tried Michael Symon’s stuffed peppers, you’re in for something seriously memorable!
It’s all about the filling ya’ll!
I’ve found that using a mix of ground beef and pork adds a richness you just can’t get with one meat alone.
One extra step you can do is season each component separately—the filling, the sauce, and even the peppers themselves. It’s all about the flavor, baby!
To keep the peppers from drying out, I cover the baking dish with foil for the first half of cooking. It locks in the steam and keeps everything juicy.
The tomato sauce is so flavorful and rich that I usually spoon a little extra on top right before serving!
How to Make Michael Symon Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 Bell Peppers
- 1 lb Ground Pork
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- 1 cup Cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Onion (diced)
- 1 can Tomato Sauce (15 oz.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Use a large skillet directly on the coals for best results.
Step 2:
Add olive oil to the skillet, then brown the ground pork for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Transfer the pork to a mixing bowl once browned.
Step 3:
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
Spoon the pork mixture into each pepper until they’re full.
Step 4:
Mix tomato sauce with minced garlic and pour into a baking dish.
Place the stuffed peppers in the sauce.
Step 5:
Grill the peppers to lightly char them, about 2 minutes per side, then enjoy this aromatic dish!
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose the Right Pepper:
Select firm and large bell peppers with a bright color as they’ll hold the filling better and provide better flavor.
For Cheesy Goodness:
Feel free to use different kinds of cheese or even a blend to switch up the flavor profile to your liking.
Make It Saucy:
If you like things saucy, you can serve the peppers with extra tomato sauce on the side or drizzle more over the top when serving.
Spice It Up:
For those who love some heat, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the stuffing mix for an extra kick!
Rest Before Serving:
Allow the peppers to rest for a few minutes after grilling to let flavors meld together, enhancing the taste!
What to Serve with Michael Symon Stuffed Peppers
Garlic Bread
You can never go wrong with a side of garlic bread when serving stuffed peppers.
The flavors of garlic and butter go perfectly with the savory filling of the peppers.
Plus, it’s great for soaking up any extra sauce that might be on your plate.
Mixed Green Salad
A mixed green salad can bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffed peppers.
Toss some lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes with a light vinaigrette to keep things simple.
You might add some olives or feta cheese for a bit of extra flavor too.
Mashed Potatoes
For something hearty alongside your stuffed peppers, consider serving mashed potatoes.
The creamy texture balances well with the spices and cheeses in the peppers.
You might decide to sprinkle a little paprika or black pepper on top for an extra kick.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you’re looking for something a bit different, try roasted Brussels sprouts.
The slight bitterness and crispy texture offer an exciting contrast to the softness of the stuffed peppers.
A sprinkle of lemon juice before serving can really make them pop.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries can be a novel side dish to enjoy with stuffed peppers.
The sweetness complements the savory spices in the pepper filling.
You could even season them with a bit of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Meats
You can substitute the ground pork in Michael Symon’s stuffed peppers with ground beef, turkey, or chicken.
Each brings its own unique flavor to the dish!
Vegetarian Options
For a vegetarian twist, try stuffing the peppers with a mix that includes eggplant and cheesy rice.
This keeps the recipe flavorful and satisfying!
Added Spices
Do you like things spicy?
Add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the stuffing mix for an extra kick.
It’s a sure way to add some heat to your meal!
Cheese Alternatives
Feel free to use various cheese types, such as mozzarella or feta.
Cheese changes can bring a whole new flavor profile to your stuffed peppers!
How to Store Leftover Michael Symon Stuffed Peppers
Storing your leftover Michael Symon stuffed peppers properly is essential to maintain their deliciousness and freshness for another meal.
You should store them in an airtight container to help lock in flavor and moisture, keeping them fresh.
Refrigerator Storage
Place the stuffed peppers in an airtight container.
You can safely store them in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, which allows you to enjoy them without worrying about spoilage.
Make room in one of the fridge shelves to prevent stacking containers, which might crush the peppers.
Freezer Storage
If you’re thinking of keeping them for a longer period, freezing is a great option.
Wrap each pepper in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months, so label the container with the date to keep track.
Quick Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge if frozen.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you enjoy your stuffed peppers at their best!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overstuffing the Peppers
One of the biggest mistakes you might make is overstuffing the peppers. Be mindful that these tasty packages need room to breathe and cook evenly!
When you pack too much filling, they can burst or cook unevenly, leaving some parts soggy and others undercooked.
Using the Wrong Cheese
Cheese choice is crucial for flavor and texture balance.
Avoid using a cheese that melts too quickly or breaks apart, as it can create a greasy topping.
Opt for a well-melting cheese like mozzarella or cheddar to achieve that perfect gooey layer.
Skipping Pepper Preparation
Don’t forget to properly prepare the peppers.
Blanch or pre-bake them for a few minutes to soften if you want them more tender.
If you skip this step, you may end up with undercooked, tough peppers that are difficult to eat.

Michael Symon Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Bell Peppers
- 1 lb Ground Pork
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- 1 cup Cheese shredded
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Onion diced
- 1 can Tomato Sauce 15 oz.
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Use a large skillet directly on the coals for best results.
- Add olive oil to the skillet, then brown the ground pork for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer the pork to a mixing bowl once browned.
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Spoon the pork mixture into each pepper until they’re full.
- Mix tomato sauce with minced garlic and pour into a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the sauce.
- Grill the peppers to lightly char them, about 2 minutes per side, then enjoy this aromatic dish!