These hearty stuffed yellow bell peppers are loaded with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and topped with melted cheese—baked to tender perfection for a wholesome, comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic comfort food
Customizable filling
Meal prep-friendly
Balanced and satisfying

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Yellow bell peppers, halved and deseeded
Ground beef or turkey
Cooked rice
Onion and garlic
Diced tomatoes
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Fresh herbs for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, add ground meat, and cook until browned.
Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and seasoning.
Fill each pepper half with the mixture.
Top with cheese and cover with foil.
Bake for 30 minutes, uncover, and bake 10 more minutes to melt cheese.
Garnish with herbs and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Use quinoa instead of rice
Add black beans or corn
Try feta or pepper jack for a different cheese profile

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use green or red peppers instead?

Yes, any color bell pepper will work.

What kind of meat is best?

Ground beef, turkey, or even sausage are great options.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use lentils or mushrooms in place of meat.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze cooked peppers for up to 2 months.

Can I make this low-carb?

Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Should the peppers be pre-cooked?

Not necessary, they soften while baking.

Can I use uncooked rice?

No, use cooked rice to ensure even texture.

What cheeses work best?

Mozzarella, cheddar, or a cheese blend melt well.

Can I assemble them ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.

What can I serve them with?

A simple green salad or crusty bread pairs nicely.

Conclusion

Cheesy stuffed yellow bell peppers are a vibrant, delicious, and well-rounded dish that satisfies every appetite. With a savory filling and gooey cheese topping, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.

Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Bell Peppers

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Cheesy Stuffed Yellow Bell Peppers are a savory and satisfying dish featuring sweet yellow bell peppers filled with a hearty mixture of rice, vegetables, and melted cheese. A colorful and comforting vegetarian main or side.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes, black beans (if using), garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Stir in cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well and remove from heat.
Stuff each bell pepper with the rice mixture and place them upright in a baking dish.
Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining shredded cheese.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute quinoa or couscous for rice.
Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack for added flavor.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked ground meat or sausage.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Calories: 260
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 30mg