Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hearty Ground Beef Dinner Magic!

Tired of the same old weeknight dinner routine that leaves your family uninspired at the table? Stuffed bell peppers filled with savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese might just be the colorful dinner solution you’ve been searching for!

Hi, I’m Ethan Miller, the heart behind Foodydish! These stuffed bell peppers have become my family’s most requested meal, combining the perfect balance of protein, veggies, and grains in one beautiful package. After years of perfecting this recipe in my home kitchen, I’ve discovered the secrets to ensuring these peppers are never watery or bland.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect peppers, preparing a flavorful ground beef filling, and mastering the cooking technique that ensures tender-crisp peppers every time. You’ll also find helpful storage tips, serving suggestions, and creative variations to keep this recipe in your regular rotation.

Why This Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Works

● Uses affordable ground beef that’s accessible in any grocery store
● Prep can be done ahead of time for busy weeknights
● Endlessly customizable based on what’s in your pantry
● Provides a complete meal in one colorful package
● Naturally portion-controlled for easy serving
● Freezes beautifully for meal prep enthusiasts

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Stuffed Bell Peppers

Best Bell Peppers for Stuffing

The foundation of any great stuffed pepper recipe starts with choosing the right peppers. Look for:

• Firm, glossy peppers with thick walls
• Similar sizes for even cooking times
• Red, yellow, and orange peppers for sweetness (green peppers work too, but have a stronger flavor)
• Peppers that stand upright easily when their tops are removed

Ground Beef Selection

• Choose 85/15 or 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness
• Grass-fed beef offers enhanced nutrition and flavor, but conventional works well too
• For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can substitute without sacrificing texture

Rice Options

• Long-grain white rice provides classic texture
• Brown rice adds nutty flavor and extra fiber
• Cauliflower rice creates a low-carb alternative
• Pre-cooked rice saves time without compromising quality

Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell Pepper Preparation Essentials

Before stuffing, peppers need proper preparation. Cut off the tops about ½-inch from the stem end and carefully remove seeds and membranes. Some cooks prefer to blanch peppers for 3-5 minutes to pre-soften, but this is optional for a firmer final texture.

Ground Beef Filling Components

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, or mozzarella)

Pantry Staples for Enhancing Flavor

The secret to truly magical stuffed peppers lies in building layers of flavor. Keep these staples on hand:

• Beef or chicken broth for cooking rice
• Italian seasoning blend
• Bay leaves for the sauce
• Red pepper flakes for optional heat
• Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Stuffed Bell Peppers

Pre-Cooking Prep for Stuffed Peppers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Prepare bell peppers by cutting off tops and removing seeds and membranes
3. Stand peppers upright in a baking dish that holds them snugly
4. If using uncooked rice, prepare according to package directions

Cooking the Ground Beef Filling

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains
2. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
4. Drain excess fat if necessary
5. Add cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings
6. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors
7. Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of the cheese

Stuffing and Baking Bell Peppers

1. Generously fill each pepper with the ground beef mixture
2. Pour ¼ cup water or broth into the bottom of the baking dish
3. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes
4. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly
5. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving

Resting and Serving Stuffed Peppers

Allow your stuffed peppers to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors settle and prevents the filling from spilling out when served. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh herbs before bringing to the table.

Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Don’t overfill the peppers leave a little room for the filling to expand
• Score the bottom of each pepper with a small X to allow steam to escape
• Pre-cook your rice completely to avoid undercooked grains in the final dish
• Season each layer of your dish both the filling and the peppers themselves

Tool Recommendations

• A melon baller works perfectly for removing seeds and membranes
• A deep baking dish helps collect juices and keep peppers upright
• An instant-read thermometer ensures ground beef reaches 160°F for food safety
• Parchment paper lining makes clean-up easier

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftover peppers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• For meal prep, cool completely before refrigerating or freezing
• Freeze fully cooked peppers individually wrapped for up to 3 months
• Reheat thawed peppers covered at 350°F until the center reaches 165°F

Looking for more delicious inspiration? Follow my collection of comfort food recipes on Pinterest where I share new dinner ideas every week!

Flavor Variations for Stuffed Bell Peppers

Tex-Mex Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Add 1 tablespoon chili powder and 1 teaspoon cumin to the beef mixture
• Mix in 1 cup corn kernels and 1 can of black beans (drained)
• Top with Mexican blend cheese and serve with sour cream and avocado

Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Substitute ground lamb for beef
• Add chopped olives, feta cheese, and oregano
• Mix in cooked quinoa instead of rice
• Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh dill

Low-Carb Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Replace rice with cauliflower rice
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms
• Use less tomato sauce to reduce carbs
• Top with a mixture of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Bell Peppers

These colorful stuffed peppers are a meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with simple sides:

• Green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Crusty garlic bread for sopping up the delicious juices
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Simple cucumber and tomato salad
• Roasted sweet potatoes for a complementary sweet element

For beverages, try sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or a crisp apple cider that complements the savory flavors without overwhelming them.

FAQs About Stuffed Bell Peppers

Can I make stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the entire recipe up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since you’re starting with cold peppers.

How do I fix peppers that are too firm after cooking?

If your peppers are still too crisp after the recommended cooking time, cover them again with foil and continue baking in 10-minute increments until they reach your desired tenderness. Adding a bit more water to the baking dish can also help steam them.

Can I use pre-cooked or leftover ground beef?

Yes! Simply skip the browning step and mix your pre-cooked beef with the sautéed onions, garlic, and remaining ingredients. This is a great way to repurpose leftover taco meat or plain cooked ground beef.

Are stuffed peppers freezer-friendly?

They freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then wrap individual peppers in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered at 350°F until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).

Conclusion

Stuffed bell peppers with ground beef truly are dinner magic in disguise they’re approachable enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests. The colorful presentation, complete nutrition, and endless adaptability make this recipe a true kitchen hero.

I hope you’ll give these stuffed bell peppers a try in your own kitchen! Thousands of Foodydish readers have made this their go-to recipe for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. The combination of savory ground beef, tender peppers, and melty cheese creates comfort food that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Next time you’re looking for a complete meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, remember these stuffed peppers. And if you enjoy this recipe, you might also love our other ground beef favorites!

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hearty Ground Beef Dinner Magic!

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• Author: Ethan Miller
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Classic stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese  a hearty, colorful, and comforting meal baked to perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 large bell peppers (any color)

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 cup cooked rice

1 small onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outsides with olive oil.

3. Place peppers cut-side up in a baking dish and set aside.

4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.

5. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

6. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

7. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each bell pepper.

8. Top each with a spoonful of tomato sauce and sprinkle with cheese.

9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

10. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use quinoa instead of rice for a protein boost.

You can prep these ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.

For a vegetarian version, replace beef with black beans and corn.

Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, baked peppers, ground beef and rice, comfort food, healthy dinner