Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are a hearty and wholesome dish featuring colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings, then baked until tender. This comforting recipe is perfect for family dinners, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange)ground beefcooked white riceoniongarlicdiced tomatoes (canned or fresh)tomato sauceshredded cheddar or mozzarella cheeseworcestershire sauceitalian seasoningsaltblack pepperolive oil

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.

Spoon the filling into each hollowed bell pepper, pressing down slightly to pack.

Place stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish and cover with foil.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, then remove the foil and top each pepper with shredded cheese.

Return to oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 stuffed bell peppers.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 45 minutesTotal time: 65 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.

Swap white rice for quinoa or brown rice for a healthier twist.

Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or microwave individually for 2-3 minutes until heated through.For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped peppers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the peppers and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best type of bell pepper to use?

Any color works, but red and yellow are sweeter while green has a more robust flavor.

Can I use uncooked rice?

No, rice should be fully cooked before mixing into the filling.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the bell peppers?

No, baking them filled will soften them enough, but you can parboil if you prefer very tender peppers.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground meat with lentils, tofu, or a meatless crumble.

How do I keep the peppers from falling over?

Use a snug baking dish or trim the bottoms slightly to create a flat base.

What kind of cheese is best?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of Italian cheeses work great.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely, chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are excellent additions.

Do I need to cover the peppers while baking?

Yes, covering them helps steam the peppers; uncovering at the end allows the cheese to melt nicely.

Can I use cauliflower rice?

Yes, for a low-carb version, cauliflower rice is a great alternative.

Conclusion

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers bring together vibrant vegetables and savory fillings for a complete, comforting meal. Customizable and crowd-pleasing, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a regular part of your cooking rotation.