Stuffed Bell Peppers are a timeless comfort food, colorful peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, onions, and tomato sauce, then baked until tender. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With optional melted cheese on top, it’s a cozy dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting & Hearty – A complete meal in one
- Family-Friendly – Mild flavors everyone enjoys
- Easy to Make – Simple steps and everyday ingredients
- Customizable – Swap proteins, grains, or add veggies
- Great for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully
- Colorful Presentation – Looks great on the table
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: About 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 4–6 bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. - Season & Mix
Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until well combined. - Stuff the Peppers
Arrange bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper, packing gently. - Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, until peppers are tender. - Add Cheese (Optional)
Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 5–10 minutes until melted and bubbly. - Serve Hot
Let rest a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve
- Classic: Serve on its own for a complete meal
- With Sides: Pair with a green salad or garlic bread
- Saucy Finish: Spoon extra tomato sauce over the top
- Fresh Touch: Garnish with parsley or basil
Helpful Tips
- Choose evenly sized peppers for even cooking
- Parboil peppers for 5 minutes if you prefer them extra tender
- Adjust seasoning to taste before stuffing
- Use leftover rice for convenience
- Cover tightly while baking to keep peppers moist
Variations
- Cheesy Stuffed Peppers: Mix cheese into the filling
- Turkey Version: Swap ground beef for ground turkey
- Vegetarian: Use beans or lentils instead of meat
- Mexican-Inspired: Add cumin and top with cheddar
- Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (wrap individually)
- Reheat: Oven or microwave until heated through
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Do I need to cook the rice first?
Yes, use fully cooked rice for best texture.
What peppers work best?
Bell peppers of any color, red, yellow, or green.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely, try zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Conclusion
Stuffed Bell Peppers are a cozy, reliable dinner that never goes out of style. With savory beef, fluffy rice, and tender peppers baked to perfection, this dish is comforting, customizable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
