Description
Classic bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings, baked until tender and topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and set aside the tops.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in parsley, if using.
- Fill each bell pepper with the beef-rice mixture, pressing gently to pack.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, top peppers with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein.
- To make ahead: assemble peppers, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Rice can be substituted with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb or gluten-free version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (approx. 1 cup filling + 1 pepper)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg