Livia Scott
Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful and hearty classic, perfect for a cozy family dinner or an easy meal prep solution. Each pepper is generously filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese—delivering big flavor in every bite. This dish brings together comfort food and vibrant veggies in one wholesome, satisfying package.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, Stuffed Bell Peppers deliver. They’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to switch up proteins or go vegetarian. Plus, they store and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for busy schedules.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- It’s a complete meal packed inside a veggie!
- Great for meal prepping and freezer-friendly.
- Easily customizable for different diets and preferences.
- Comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor.
- A great way to sneak more vegetables into your meals.
What Kind of Bell Peppers Should I Use?
You can use any color bell peppers you like—red, yellow, orange, or green. Red and yellow peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly more bitter, robust taste. Choose peppers that are firm and have flat bottoms so they stand up well in the baking dish. Mixing colors not only adds flavor variety but makes your presentation pop!
Ingredients for the Stuffed Bell Peppers
To create the perfect balance of flavors and textures, each ingredient plays a key role:
- Bell Peppers: The base of the recipe. Choose fresh, large, and firm peppers.
- Ground Beef: A classic protein that makes the filling hearty and satisfying.
- Cooked Rice: Adds substance and binds the filling together.
- Onion: Brings aromatic depth and mild sweetness to the mix.
- Garlic: Essential for savory flavor in the filling.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and a rich, tangy tomato flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: Melts over the top for a golden, gooey finish.
- Olive Oil: For softening the vegetables and cooking the beef.
- Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
How To Make the Stuffed Bell Peppers
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes to slightly soften. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in cooked rice and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Fill the Peppers
Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each prepared pepper, pressing down slightly to pack them well. Place them upright in a baking dish.
Step 4: Bake
Top each pepper with shredded cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving and Storing Your Stuffed Bell Peppers
This recipe makes enough to comfortably feed 4 to 6 people, depending on the size of the bell peppers. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a casual gathering.
To store leftovers, place the stuffed peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through or place in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. They also freeze well: just wrap them individually and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
What to Serve With Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Garlic Bread
The buttery crunch of garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the tender peppers and hearty filling.
Green Salad
Keep things fresh with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add texture and extra nutrients to the meal.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are always a comforting and filling side.
Couscous or Quinoa
These grain-based sides complement the stuffed peppers while adding a wholesome boost.
Sauteed Spinach
A simple, garlicky spinach sauté offers iron and flavor without overpowering the main dish.
Corn on the Cob
Especially great in summer, sweet corn adds a juicy and crunchy contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even plant-based meat alternatives all work well. Adjust seasonings based on the meat’s flavor profile.
2. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Skip the meat and use a combination of beans, lentils, or chopped mushrooms with rice and veggies. Add extra herbs or cheese for flavor.
3. Can I prepare stuffed peppers in advance?
Absolutely. You can stuff the peppers a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
4. Do I need to cook the peppers before stuffing them?
Parboiling or blanching the peppers helps soften them slightly, so they don’t stay too firm after baking. But you can skip this step if you prefer crunchier peppers.
5. What’s the best cheese for topping?
Mozzarella and cheddar are most common, but feel free to try Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use turkey or stick with beef? Maybe added a spicy twist?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
For more delicious recipes like this, check out my Life With Livia Pinterest.
Conclusion
Stuffed Bell Peppers are a wholesome and versatile dish that hits all the right notes: savory, comforting, and easy to make. With simple ingredients and a customizable filling, it’s a go-to recipe for busy nights and cozy dinners alike. Try it once, and it might just become a staple in your meal rotation.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Quick and Simple Weeknight Meal
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Description
Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that the whole family will love? These Stuffed Bell Peppers are the perfect easy dinner recipe packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish offers a wholesome, balanced meal in one edible bowl. Great for quick dinners, meal prep ideas, or healthy comfort food—this is one of those easy recipes that delivers every time.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked white rice
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Blanch peppers in boiling water for 3-4 minutes to slightly soften. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
5. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned and cooked through.
6. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
7. Spoon the mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down gently.
8. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
11. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use multiple colors of bell peppers for a vibrant, appealing presentation.
You can swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy recipe, stuffed peppers, healthy meal, comfort food, dinner idea
