Juicy Homemade Stuffed Peppers Recipe: A Family Favorite

Bell peppers bursting with hearty rice and savory stuffed peppers recipe create a mouthwatering comfort meal that never disappoints.

These vibrant vessels capture robust flavors in every delectable bite.

Tender peppers cradle a rich mixture of seasoned ground meat, aromatic herbs, and fluffy rice.

Each pepper transforms into a complete meal packed with incredible taste and nutrition.

The colorful presentation makes this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Home cooks love how simple yet impressive this classic recipe can be.

Serve these stuffed peppers hot and watch everyone at the table smile with pure culinary delight.

Storage for Stuffed Peppers to Keep Fresh

• Store stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them whole or slice them before refrigerating to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place peppers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for stuffed peppers?

The key ingredients are bell peppers, ground beef, rice, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, cheese, and Italian seasoning.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and check that the tomato sauce and seasonings are gluten-free certified.

• How do I prevent the peppers from falling apart?

Choose firm, thick-walled bell peppers and stuff them carefully without overpacking to maintain their structure during baking.

Stuffed Peppers – A Colorful, Flavorful Main Course

• Boost Family Dinners: Packed with protein and veggies, these stuffed peppers transform a simple meal into a nutritious feast that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, use different cheeses, or add unique spices to make this recipe perfectly match your family's taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps mean you can have a delicious, hearty meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, grains, and vegetables in a single baked dish, reducing cleanup and making mealtime simple and stress-free.

Ingredients for Tasty Homemade Stuffed Peppers

• Bell Peppers: Large, colorful peppers that serve as the edible vessel for the delicious stuffing.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat that provides the hearty base for the stuffing mixture.
• Rice: Fluffy grain that adds texture and helps bind the stuffing together.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices that bring depth and traditional Italian flavor to the dish.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and tangy richness to the beef mixture.

• Olive Oil, Onions, Garlic: Aromatics that create a flavorful base for the beef mixture.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that adds a creamy and golden finish to the stuffed peppers.

Step-by-Step Stuffed Pepper Assembly Directions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for some serious pepper magic.

Step 2: Prep the Pepper Vessels

Slice off the pepper tops and scoop out all the seeds, creating perfect little boats for your tasty filling.

Step 3: Sizzle and Soften

Grab a skillet and drizzle in some olive oil.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften until they’re fragrant and translucent.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Drop in the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up into delicious crumbly bits.

Step 5: Mix the Flavor Explosion

• Tomato sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Let everything simmer and mingle for a few minutes.

Step 6: Stuff and Stack

Fill each pepper generously with the beef and rice mixture, packing in all that deliciousness.

Step 7: Cheese Crown

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Stuffed Pepper Tips for Even Cooking and Filling

• Select bell peppers in various colors like red, yellow, and green for a vibrant and visually appealing dish that adds nutrition and flavor variety.
• Prepare the filling and stuff peppers in advance, storing them in the refrigerator until ready to bake, which saves time during busy weeknights.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, quinoa, or vegetarian crumbles for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.
• Let cheese cool slightly before serving to prevent burning and achieve a perfect, gooey texture that complements the savory filling.

Ways to Mix Up Your Stuffed Pepper Filling

• Vegetarian Peppers: Replace ground beef with black beans, quinoa, and diced mushrooms for a protein-packed meat-free option.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap ground beef for lamb, add feta cheese, and incorporate oregano and mint for a Greek-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Peppers: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice and add extra vegetables like zucchini for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Mexican Peppers: Include chorizo, jalapeños, and swap tomato sauce for salsa, then top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Plating Stuffed Peppers with Garnishes or Sides

• Family Feast Delight: Serve these colorful stuffed peppers as a centerpiece for a cozy family dinner, creating a warm and inviting meal everyone will love.
• Hearty Side Partner: Complement the peppers with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add extra nutrition.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Enhance the meal with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti, which beautifully matches the savory beef and tomato sauce.
• Leftover Magic: Chop up any remaining stuffed peppers and transform them into a delicious next-day lunch by mixing into a salad or wrapping in a tortilla.

Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican stuffed peppers combine zesty ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese in a colorful bell pepper shell. Spicy seasonings and fresh cilantro elevate this classic dish, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Grains:

• 4–6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green, or orange)
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup tomato sauce

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Basil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a cozy environment for the peppers to roast.
2. Slice off the pepper tops, carefully hollowing out the interior and discarding seeds.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame, gently sweating onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce ground beef to the pan, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until rich brown color develops.
5. Fold in cooked rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings, allowing flavors to meld together for 3-4 minutes.
6. Generously fill each pepper shell with the savory beef and rice mixture, nestling them upright in a baking dish.
7. Sprinkle a luxurious layer of shredded cheese across the pepper tops, creating a golden blanket.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, baking for 30 minutes to ensure peppers soften and filling heats thoroughly.
9. Remove foil for the final 10 minutes, letting cheese transform into a bubbling, slightly crisp topping.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to settle and filling to set.

Notes

• Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms to help them stand upright while baking.
• For a leaner version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Pre-cooking rice ensures even moisture and prevents undercooked grains in the final dish.
• Test pepper tenderness by piercing with a fork before removing from the oven, guaranteeing perfectly soft peppers.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 45753
• Calories: 7 kcal
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 27 mg
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.1 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 1 mg