Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic, wholesome dish packed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings. Baked until tender and topped with melted cheese, these peppers are a perfect meal for any night of the week. Whether you prefer them with beef, turkey, or a vegetarian filling, this recipe is simple, customizable, and sure to be a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and satisfying – A balanced meal with protein, grains, and veggies.
• Customizable – Use different proteins, grains, or seasonings to fit your taste.
• Meal-prep friendly – Make ahead and reheat for quick lunches or dinners.
• Great for any diet – Easily adaptable to be low-carb, keto, or vegetarian.
• Delicious and comforting – A hearty dish with bold flavors and a cheesy finish.

Ingredients

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

• Large bell peppers (any color)
• Ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• Cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Tomato sauce
• Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)

Directions

1. Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Lightly brush the peppers with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.

2. Cook the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
3. Add ground meat and cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
4. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Stuff and Bake

1. Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, pressing it down gently.
2. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.

4. Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese.
2. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 stuffed peppers
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Mexican Style – Use taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
• Vegetarian – Replace meat with lentils, quinoa, or black beans.
• Low-Carb/Keto – Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
• Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Cheesy Delight – Mix cheese into the filling for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Freeze stuffed peppers for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating – Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave until warm.

FAQs

Do I need to pre-cook the peppers?

No, but pre-baking them for 10 minutes before stuffing makes them softer.

Can I use uncooked rice?

No, the rice needs to be cooked before mixing with the filling.

What’s the best meat for stuffed peppers?

Ground beef is traditional, but turkey, chicken, or sausage work well too.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, just omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

How do I keep the peppers from falling over?

Use a baking dish that fits them snugly or trim the bottoms slightly to create a flat base.

Can I make these in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the peppers are tender.

Can I use other grains?

Absolutely! Quinoa, couscous, or barley are great substitutes for rice.

How do I make these extra saucy?

Add extra tomato sauce or serve with marinara on the side.

What can I serve with stuffed peppers?

A fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the peppers and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal perfect for any occasion. With endless variations and simple prep, they’re a great way to enjoy a hearty, homemade dish. Try them today and customize to your taste!

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: 45 minutes

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Description

These Stuffed Bell Peppers are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, and marinara sauce, then topped with melted cheese for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. This easy, family-friendly meal is great for weeknight dinners and meal prep!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

• Prepare the Peppers:
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
  • Place them in a greased baking dish, cut side up.
• Make the Filling:
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  • Stir in cooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
• Stuff the Peppers:
  • Spoon the beef mixture into each bell pepper half.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Bake:
  • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
• Garnish & Serve:
  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
  • Serve hot with a side of salad or garlic bread.

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Notes

• Swap rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.