If you’ve been craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and color, then you absolutely have to try the Stuffed Peppers with Ground Meat, Rice, and Tomato Sauce Recipe. This dish combines tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, perfectly cooked rice, and rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese that brings everything together in a warm, inviting meal. It’s just one of those recipes that feels like a big, satisfying hug on a plate and makes for an impressive dinner whether it’s a weeknight or a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a delightful balance of taste, texture, and color. Everything you need is straightforward, but together they make a meal that’s far from ordinary.
- ¾ cup uncooked brown rice: Adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture that complements the meat perfectly.
- 6 bell peppers: Choose any color you like to brighten up the dish and add a sweet crunch.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Used for sautéing onions and meat, this adds depth and richness.
- ¾ cup finely chopped yellow onion: Brings sweetness and aromatic flavor to the filling.
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey: The savory heart of the stuffing, adding protein and substance.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of pungent goodness to enhance the aroma and taste.
- 15-ounce can diced tomatoes: Provides juicy acidity and vibrant texture to the filling.
- 8-ounce can tomato sauce (¾ cup): Gives the mixture a saucy base that holds all the flavors together.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A herb blend that brings an earthy, fragrant note to the meat mixture.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor in the dish subtly yet effectively.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds just enough kick without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar, 4 ounces), divided: For that irresistible melty, gooey topping and creamy filling texture.
How to Make Stuffed Peppers with Ground Meat, Rice, and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions or your preferred method. Brown rice adds nuttiness, but white rice works beautifully too. Once cooked, set it aside and let it cool a little—this helps avoid soggy filling later.
Step 2: Prep the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, carefully cut the tops off the bell peppers and scoop out the seeds and membranes. This step is crucial because it creates a perfect vessel ready to hold the delicious filling.
Step 3: Cook the Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add your ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease, then stir in the minced garlic for a quick 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Step 4: Combine with Tomato Sauce
To this cooked meat mixture, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully into a savory, saucy filling.
Step 5: Mix Rice and Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice along with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This cheese melts into the mixture, making the filling wonderfully creamy and cohesive.
Step 6: Stuff the Peppers
Pour ½ cup of water into a baking dish to keep things moist during baking. Carefully fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, then arrange them standing upright in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top to create that irresistible golden crust.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and turns a lovely light brown. Serve these stuffed peppers hot for a meal that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Stuffed Peppers with Ground Meat, Rice, and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a refreshing pop of color and herbaceous aroma that contrast the rich filling. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also elevate the flavors quite charmingly.
Side Dishes
These stuffed peppers are the star of the show, but pairing them with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted vegetables makes for a complete and well-balanced meal. Something light and fresh helps cut through the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these stuffed peppers on a bed of mixed greens or even with a spoonful of creamy mashed potatoes. You can also turn them into a party appetizer by making mini versions using smaller peppers, perfect for sharing and sampling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftovers to airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze stuffed peppers with ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce recipe either before or after baking. Wrap them well in foil or plastic wrap and place in freezer-safe containers. When you want a comforting meal fast, just thaw and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, use a microwave for quicker reheating but the oven method keeps the texture and cheese melt more appealing.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat besides ground beef or turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or pork also work wonderfully in this recipe. You can even mix two types of meat to add extra depth of flavor.
Is it necessary to cook the rice before stuffing the peppers?
Yes, cooking the rice beforehand ensures it’s fully tender. Using uncooked rice will result in a longer bake time and potentially uneven cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives, cooked lentils, or a hearty mix of mushrooms and vegetables to keep the filling satisfying and flavorful.
How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too soft?
Choose fresh, firm peppers and don’t overbake. The initial covered baking keeps them tender, and finishing uncovered crisps the cheese without mushiness.
What cheese works best for stuffing peppers?
Mozzarella is classic for meltiness, but cheddar adds a sharper tang. You could also try a blend, or even some grated Parmesan for a nutty, salty finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and colorful, the Stuffed Peppers with Ground Meat, Rice, and Tomato Sauce Recipe is a fantastic choice you’ll keep coming back to. It’s straightforward enough for any skill level but delivers on flavor and presentation that feels special. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Stuffed Peppers with Ground Meat, Rice, and Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Stuffed Peppers recipe features bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of browned ground beef or turkey, cooked rice, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, these stuffed peppers offer a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¾ cup uncooked brown rice (or white rice, 1 ½ cups cooked)
- 6 bell peppers, any color
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¾ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 8-ounce can tomato sauce (¾ cup)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese, 4 ounces), divided
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Cook the rice according to package directions or your preferred method. Once cooked, set it aside to cool.
- Prep the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes carefully to create hollow peppers ready for stuffing.
- Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef or turkey, crumbling it as you cook. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Combine with Tomato Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Mix Rice and Cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in the cooked rice and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the meat mixture evenly.
- Stuff the Peppers: Pour ½ cup of water into a baking dish. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing them well. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
- Bake: Lightly spray aluminum foil with cooking spray and cover the baking dish tightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned and the filling is hot throughout. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter version.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the skillet when cooking the meat.
- To make the recipe gluten free, ensure that all canned tomato products and seasonings you use are certified gluten free.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
