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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers evenly and thoroughly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stuff Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice filling into each bell pepper cavity, filling them completely but not overstuffing.
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.
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.
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.
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