Her Happy KitchenIf you are looking for a simple and delicious dinner, these Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef are the perfect choice. Fresh bell peppers are filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, then baked until tender. This meal is healthy, filling, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Whether you call them Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers or Stuffed Peppers Beef, this classic recipe is packed with flavor and easy enough for beginners to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Great for lunch or dinner
- Full of protein and vegetables
- Perfect for meal prep
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Ready in about one hour
Ingredients
- 6 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Wash the bell peppers and cut off the tops. Remove the seeds and white membranes from inside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place the peppers in boiling water for about 3–4 minutes. Remove them and let them drain.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until soft.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it apart with a spoon while cooking. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, half of the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix everything together and cook for about 5 minutes until well combined.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread the remaining tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Fill each bell pepper with the beef mixture and place them upright in the baking dish.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper.
Bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Use red, yellow, or orange peppers for a sweeter flavor.
- Brown the beef well for better taste.
- Cook the rice before adding it to the filling.
- Do not overfill the peppers.
- Add extra cheese if you love cheesy recipes.
Recipe Variations
Low-Carb Version
Replace the rice with cauliflower rice.
Spicy Version
Add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Mexican Style
Mix in black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese.
Italian Style
Use marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese with Italian herbs.
Storage
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
Allow the peppers to cool completely.
Wrap each pepper individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Microwave for 2–3 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through.
What to Serve with Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the peppers, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I have to cook the peppers first?
No, but boiling them for a few minutes makes them softer and helps them cook evenly.
Can I use different meat?
Yes. Ground turkey, ground chicken, pork, or Italian sausage all work well.
Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?
Yes. They freeze very well and make a great make-ahead meal.
Final Thoughts
These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef are a comforting and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare with everyday ingredients. The juicy ground beef filling, tender bell peppers, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese create the perfect combination of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a healthy dinner idea, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
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