Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

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Craving something comforting, hearty, and colorful on your dinner table? These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a go-to family favorite that checks all the boxes: satisfying, healthy-ish, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for a stress-free meal, stuffed peppers are one of those dishes that feel special without demanding much.

Each pepper is like a little edible bowl filled with savory seasoned meat, rice, tomato sauce, and melty cheese. Roasting softens the peppers just enough to make them tender while still holding their shape. The result? A warm, cheesy, saucy dish with texture and taste in every bite.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect batch of Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, the right prep tools make the process smoother:

• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for slicing off the pepper tops cleanly and chopping any fresh herbs or onions.
• Melon Baller or Spoon: Makes scooping out seeds and membranes quick and precise.
• Large Skillet: You’ll use this to brown the meat and simmer the filling mixture.
• Baking Dish (9×13): This holds your peppers upright and allows the bottoms to cook evenly in the oven.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps trap steam to soften the peppers during baking.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining the filling ingredients before stuffing.

With just these basic tools, you can prep, stuff, and bake your way to a cozy, fuss-free dinner.

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Ingredients for the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Bell Peppers: Choose firm, medium-sized peppers in any color you love. They’re the edible vessels that bring sweetness and structure.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef offers a savory base that’s juicy and flavorful.
• Cooked Rice: Adds texture and stretches the filling—use white, brown, or leftover rice.
• Onion: Finely diced, it gives the filling a mellow sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: A couple cloves, minced, enhance the savory character of the meat.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and richness to the meat mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme gives the filling its classic taste.
• Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: For a gooey, golden top. A mix balances sharp and stretchy textures.
• Olive Oil: Just a drizzle to sauté and coat the peppers before baking.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.

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How To Make the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 1: Prep the Peppers

Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Mix It Up

Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine and simmer for a few minutes.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the filling generously into each bell pepper cavity. Press down gently to pack it in.

Step 5: Bake and Melt

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil, top with shredded cheeses, and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

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Serving and Storing Your Stuffed Bell Peppers

These peppers are best served fresh from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. They pair wonderfully with a crisp salad or roasted potatoes.

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. They also freeze beautifully—wrap individually for a make-ahead meal that’s easy to thaw and bake.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage all work great.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the meat for black beans, lentils, or a meatless crumble and increase the veggies.

Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

Yes, using fully cooked rice ensures the texture is just right and speeds up the baking time.

How do I keep the peppers from tipping over?

Use a snug baking dish or slice a thin layer off the bottom of each pepper to stabilize.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the stuffed peppers, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake when ready.

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Want More Dinner Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for another hearty one-dish meal. For soup lovers, Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup is both filling and full of flavor.

Or if you’re looking for something creamy, Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers comfort in a bowl.

For spicy baked options, Buffalo Chicken Lasagna might be your new favorite twist.

You’ll also find inspiration in my Pinterest boards where I post daily recipes from LadyPlate.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for later. Just hit that Pin button.

If you make it, drop a comment! Did you go with classic cheddar or spice things up with pepper jack? I’d love to hear your twist on these stuffed bell peppers.

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