Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, colorful dish that brings warmth and wholesome flavors to your table, this Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with savory ground beef, fragrant herbs, tender rice, and melted cheese nestled inside vibrant bell peppers, this recipe is a timeless family favorite that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Each pepper acts like a little edible bowl, holding layers of delightful textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the magic behind this Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe. Each component plays a vital role—from the sweet crunch of the bell peppers to the hearty, flavorful filling that brings everything together in perfect harmony.

• 6 bell peppers (any color): Choose vibrant reds, yellows, or greens for a colorful presentation and naturally sweet flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beef and vegetables, adding richness without overpowering.
• 1 pound ground beef: The main protein that creates a satisfying, savory filling with great texture.
• 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor once softened.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with a warm, aromatic kick that complements the beef perfectly.
• 1 cup cooked rice: Helps bind the filling while adding a comforting, slightly chewy texture.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained: Brings brightness and slight acidity to balance the richness.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing the flavors.
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend): Melted on top for gooey, savory goodness and a golden finish.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh color and a mild herbal note when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Peppers and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing the baking dish where your peppers will rest. Preparing the peppers involves carefully slicing off the tops, scooping out all the seeds and membranes, and trimming the bottoms if necessary so they stand upright with ease. This creates the perfect little cups for your filling.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once nicely browned, drain the excess fat to keep your dish from getting too greasy. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onion becomes translucent and tender—this builds a flavorful base.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Seasonings

Mix in the cooked rice, well-drained diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cook together just long enough to blend the flavors and warm everything through, resulting in a hearty, well-seasoned filling ready to go into the peppers.

Step 4: Stuff and Bake Your Peppers

Carefully spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper until they’re generously filled. Top each pepper with a blanket of shredded cheese—this will melt into a delightful golden crust as it bakes. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the stuffed peppers to add brightness and a touch of elegance before serving.

How to Serve Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, but you can also experiment with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and extra flavor complexity. These garnishes not only brighten the dish visually but also enhance the overall taste experience.

Side Dishes

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up any leftover juices. You might also enjoy a side of roasted vegetables to complement the richness of the stuffed peppers with their natural sweetness and crisp textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these stuffed peppers halved horizontally so guests can easily access the filling, or arrange them on a platter with alternating colors for a vibrant centerpiece. You can even scoop out the filling and serve it over a bed of greens for a deconstructed plated version that is both elegant and approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes for a perfect next-day lunch that’s just as delicious as when freshly made.

Freezing

You can freeze stuffed bell peppers before baking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the peppers watery and the cheese rubbery—using the oven preserves their integrity and that wonderful freshly-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork work wonderfully in this Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe, offering lighter or different flavor profiles while still keeping the dish hearty.

Is it necessary to cook the rice beforehand?

Yes, pre-cooked rice is important because the peppers do not bake long enough to fully cook raw rice inside. Using cooked rice ensures your filling has the perfect texture and is fully tender.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils, cooked quinoa, or crumbled tofu. With the right seasoning, your Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe will remain just as delicious and satisfying.

How do I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?

To keep the peppers from becoming too soft, be sure to bake them uncovered for the last 10 to 15 minutes, allowing moisture to evaporate and the peppers to become tender but firm.

What cheese is best to use for topping?

Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices because they melt beautifully and add gooey richness. You can also use a blend to balance flavor and texture, or try Monterey Jack or provolone for a different twist.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is a wonderful way to bring lovely colors and hearty, comforting flavors to your dining table. It’s straightforward to prepare yet impressive enough to serve for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Trust me, once you try these stuffed peppers, they will quickly climb to the top of your go-to recipes list. So grab those bell peppers, roll up your sleeves, and dive into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

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3.9 from 54 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are a hearty and comforting dish featuring colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner, this baked recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables and Produce

• 6 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Meat and Dairy

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

Pantry Staples

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Trim the bottoms if necessary so the peppers can stand upright in the baking dish.
3. Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
4. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
5. Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow flavors to meld.
6. Stuff Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese for a cheesy finish.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Feel free to use any combination of bell pepper colors to make the dish visually appealing.
• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling mixture.
• Leftover stuffed peppers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the Italian seasoning and other ingredients do not contain gluten additives.

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