Stuffed bell peppers are more than just a meal—they’re a celebration of flavor, color, and tradition. This Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe combines tender bell peppers with a hearty, savory filling of seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and visually stunning. Perfect for family dinners, cozy weeknight meals, or even meal prepping for the week, these peppers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Whether you’re craving a Traditional Stuffed Bell Peppers dish or exploring variations like Classic Stuffed Capsicum Recipe or Hearty Stuffed Bell Pepper Dish, this recipe delivers the timeless comfort and rich flavors that make stuffed peppers a staple in homes around the world.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Rich Flavor Harmony: Each pepper bursts with savory meat, aromatic onions, garlic, and perfectly seasoned rice.
Family-Friendly Meal: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s perfect for family dinners.
Quick & Easy Prep: Ready in just over an hour with minimal hands-on cooking.
Customizable Fillings: Swap beef for turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian twist.
Nutritious Comfort Food: Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepping ahead or freezing works beautifully.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples without sacrificing flavor.
Visual Appeal: Vibrant colors make it a dish worthy of Instagram and dinner tables alike.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe. I’ve included substitution ideas and tips for choosing the best ingredients.
Vegetables & Produce
6 bell peppers (any color) – choose firm, evenly sized peppers for even cooking
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Meat & Dairy
1 pound ground beef (or turkey/chicken for leaner options)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Pantry Staples
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Tip: For a more robust flavor, use homemade diced tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Bell Peppers
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Trim the bottoms if necessary so the peppers stand upright. This ensures they bake evenly.
3. Cook Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat to keep the dish light.
4. Sauté Onion & Garlic
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing aromatic flavors that elevate the stuffing.
5. Combine Filling Ingredients
Mix in cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture heat through for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper. Top with shredded cheese for a melty, golden finish.
7. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.
8. Garnish & Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy this comforting Homemade Stuffed Peppers dish with family and friends.
Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers
How to Make the Filling Juicy Without Being Watery
Cook the ground beef fully and drain fat. Avoid overcooking the rice beforehand; slightly undercooked rice will finish perfectly in the oven with the bell peppers’ natural moisture.
Can I Use Other Meats?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based beef substitutes work wonderfully. For vegetarian versions, try lentils or quinoa.
How Do You Keep Peppers Standing?
Trim the bottoms slightly if needed and ensure they are placed upright in a snug baking dish. If necessary, use foil around the edges for support.
PAA Question Integration
How do you make stuffed bell peppers from scratch?
Follow the above Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe—it guides you from prep to bake for a full homemade version.
Can stuffed bell peppers be frozen?
Yes! Bake uncheesed peppers, cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze. Add cheese after reheating for best texture.
What’s the best rice for stuffed peppers?
Medium-grain or long-grain rice works best. Brown rice adds extra fiber and nuttiness.
Best Ways to Serve
Pair with a fresh green salad and vinaigrette for a light, balanced meal.
Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the cheesy filling.
For a low-carb twist, replace rice with cauliflower rice or omit entirely.
Crosslink Ideas: Try pairing this dish with Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes or Classic Caesar Salad for a full menu.
Nutrition per Serving (Approximate)
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 20 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbs: 30 g
Fiber: 5 g
Vitamin C: 120% DV
Note: Values vary based on cheese, meat choice, and rice type.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap individually or in a baking dish with foil for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes.
Variations for Every Taste
Vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein.
Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling.
Cheesy Twist: Mix in cream cheese or feta for a richer flavor.
Mediterranean Style: Use quinoa, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Low-Carb: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or omit completely, adding extra vegetables.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the peppers, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Are stuffed bell peppers healthy?
Absolutely. With bell peppers, lean protein, and moderate cheese, they’re a nutritious, balanced meal.
What cheese works best for stuffed peppers?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully. For a tangy punch, try feta or goat cheese.
Conclusion
This Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe brings comfort, color, and flavor to your table. Whether cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish hits all the right notes—hearty, cheesy, and simply irresistible.