Name: Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cooked white rice; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, divided; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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These stuffed bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and herbs, then baked to tender perfection. This classic comfort dish is as visually appealing as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly balanced combination of protein, grains, and vegetables
Customizable with various fillings and seasonings
Family-friendly and great for make-ahead meals
Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat
Deliciously comforting and visually vibrant

Ingredients

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

Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
Ground beef
Cooked rice
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Tomato sauce
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
Lightly drizzle the insides with olive oil and place in a baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped onions until soft.
Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add cooked rice and tomato sauce to the skillet and stir until combined.
Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the prepared bell peppers.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil, add shredded cheese on top if using, and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner filling.
Substitute quinoa for rice for a high-protein twist.
Add chopped mushrooms or spinach to the filling for more vegetables.
Use spicy sausage instead of ground beef for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Freeze baked peppers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice?

No, the rice should be cooked before mixing it with the meat filling.

How do I keep the peppers from falling over?

Use a baking dish that holds them upright snugly or slice a thin piece off the bottom to stabilize.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and fill the peppers, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I have to precook the peppers?

It’s optional, but baking them covered helps soften them without pre-cooking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the meat with lentils, beans, or a plant-based crumble.

What’s the best cheese for topping?

Mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack all melt well and taste great.

Should I cover the peppers while baking?

Yes, cover for the first 30 minutes to soften, then uncover to melt and brown the cheese.

How do I know when the peppers are done?

They should be fork-tender, and the filling should be hot and cooked through.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but ensure it is fully cooked before mixing it into the filling.

Are stuffed peppers freezer-friendly?

Yes, they freeze well and can be reheated directly from frozen or thawed first.

Conclusion

Stuffed bell peppers with ground beef and rice are a comforting and complete meal packed with flavor and nutrition. This dish is as versatile as it is delicious, making it a go-to recipe for family dinners, entertaining, or meal prepping.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

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Classic stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices. Baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese for a hearty, comforting meal.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place bell peppers in a baking dish and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half the cheese. Mix until well combined.
Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared bell peppers.
Top each pepper with the remaining cheese.
Add about 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the peppers.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and peppers are tender.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.