Hearty, colourful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, stuffed bell peppers are a comforting meal that's as satisfying as it is versatile. Tender bell peppers are filled with a savoury mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and melted cheese, then baked until perfectly tender. They're ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving a crowd, with endless opportunities to customize the filling to your taste.
This traditional recipe combines juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, aromatic vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked inside sweet bell peppers and topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 6 large bell peppers (any colour)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Peppers
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
2. Cook the Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Combine the Ingredients
Stir the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes until everything is well combined.
4. Stuff the Peppers
Fill each bell pepper generously with the beef and rice mixture. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
5. Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Why This Recipe Works
Bell peppers become naturally sweet and tender as they roast, complementing the savoury filling of seasoned beef, rice, and tomatoes. Cooking the filling before baking ensures every ingredient is fully flavoured, while finishing with melted cheese adds a creamy, golden topping. The result is a complete, well-balanced meal that's filling, colourful, and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Choose peppers that can stand upright for even baking.
- Pre-cook the rice before adding it to the filling.
- Don't overfill the peppers, allowing room for the cheese topping.
- Cover with foil during the first part of baking to help the peppers soften evenly.
- Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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