Classic Stuffed Peppers with Beef, Rice, and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed peppers are a comforting and versatile dish perfect for a cozy homemade dinner. This classic recipe combines flavorful ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, all baked inside tender bell peppers topped with melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 4 whole Bell Peppers (can substitute with poblanos or zucchini)
• 1 pound Ground Beef (can be replaced with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative)
• 1 cup Cooked Rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Tomato Sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 cup Diced Tomatoes (drained)
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (or individual herbs like oregano and basil)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (or cheddar)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Rinse and drain them well.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Step 6: Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture, filling them evenly.
7. Step 7: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Pour about 1/4 inch of water into the bottom of the dish to keep the peppers moist during baking.
8. Step 8: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of each stuffed pepper, and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Step 10: Let the peppers cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or beans instead of beef.
• Try mixing in some chopped mushrooms or spinach with the filling for extra veggies.
• Use different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for varied flavors.
• Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the filling a little kick.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare stuffed peppers in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed peppers a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Absolutely. Freeze fully cooled stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Classic Stuffed Peppers with Beef, Rice, and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 136 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Classic Stuffed Peppers combine tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese. This cozy homemade dinner is perfect for a comforting family meal and can be easily customized with different proteins or vegetarian alternatives.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Produce

• 4 whole Bell Peppers (can substitute with poblanos or zucchini)
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Diced Tomatoes (drained)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Proteins and Dairy

• 1 pound Ground Beef (can be replaced with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative)
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (or cheddar)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)

Pantry Staples

• 1 cup Cooked Rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup Tomato Sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (or individual herbs like oregano and basil)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or vegetable/canola oil)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds carefully. Rinse them under cold water and drain well to ensure a clean cavity for the filling.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to avoid clumps, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Mix well and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Stuff Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice filling into each bell pepper cavity, filling them completely but not overstuffing.
7. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Pour about 1/4 inch of water into the bottom of the dish to help steam the peppers during baking.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the peppers for 35 minutes, allowing the filling to cook through and the peppers to soften.
9. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top of each stuffed pepper, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Serve: Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve warm as a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative to suit dietary preferences.
• Use any variety of rice including white, brown, or cauliflower rice for different textures and dietary needs.
• For a spicier kick, substitute bell peppers with poblanos or add chili flakes to the filling.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace meat with lentils or chopped mushrooms.
• Covering the baking dish with foil helps steam the peppers; removing the foil in the last stage allows the cheese to brown nicely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Stuffed Peppers, Ground Beef, Baked Peppers, Homestyle Dinner, Comfort Food, Easy Weeknight Meal