FAMILY DINNER

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Tender bell pepper halves filled with seasoned beef, rice, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and melted cheese.

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a simple, satisfying dinner made with tender peppers, seasoned filling, and a cheesy baked topping.

Jump to Recipe
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings4
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

  • 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Substitutions

  • Ground turkey works well in the pepper filling; cook it to 165°F and keep the rice amount unchanged so the filling remains balanced.
  • Quinoa or another cooked grain can replace rice; prepare it separately according to its own liquid ratio and timing.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and place the bell peppers in a baking dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F and place the bell peppers in a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the beef with onion and garlic until browned, then season well

Cook the beef with the onion and garlic until browned and the meat reaches 160°F, then season well and drain excess fat.

Cook the beef with onion and for Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 3: Stir in rice, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning until combined

Stir in rice, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning until combined.

Step 4: Fill the peppers with the mixture and top with shredded cheese

Fill the peppers with the mixture and top with shredded cheese.

Fill the peppers with the mixture for Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 5: Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted

Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

Bake until the peppers are tender for Stuffed Bell Peppers
Finished Stuffed Bell Peppers ready to serve

How to Store Leftovers

Cool Stuffed Bell Peppers promptly, cover it, and refrigerate within 2 hours. Use leftovers within 3 to 4 days and store fresh or crisp components separately.

How to Reheat

Cover Stuffed Bell Peppers and warm in a 325°F oven until hot at the center. Let it rest briefly before serving.

What to Serve With It

  • A green salad
  • Garlic bread
  • Roasted vegetables
  • A light soup

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving excess liquid in the filling.
  • Spreading the casserole at uneven depth.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 385
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 31g
Fat 18g
Sugar 8g

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What substitution works well in Stuffed Bell Peppers?

Ground turkey works well in the pepper filling; cook it to 165°F and keep the rice amount unchanged so the filling remains balanced.

About the Author

Written and edited by the FreshFork Recipes Team.

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