Description
These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic comfort food, filled with savory seasoned beef, rice, and tomato sauce, then topped with melty cheese. They’re perfect for make-ahead dinners or cozy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
4 medium bell peppers
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Brush the insides lightly with olive oil and place upright in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to let flavors meld.
6. Spoon the filling evenly into each bell pepper. Pack gently but firmly.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil, sprinkle each pepper with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
9. Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, sauté the bell pepper tops (chopped) with the onions and garlic.
You can substitute the beef with ground turkey or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian version.
If using larger peppers, increase baking time by 5–10 minutes and cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: stuffed peppers, easy dinner, meal prep, baked bell peppers