Description
Enjoy this classic old-fashioned stuffed bell peppers recipe with savory ground beef, rice, and a tangy tomato filling. Perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Additions:
- Finely diced zucchini or mushrooms
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds/membranes. Blanch peppers in boiling water for 3–4 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Arrange peppers upright in a baking dish. Fill each pepper with the beef mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
- Blanching the peppers ensures they cook evenly and retain moisture.
- Customize the filling with alternative proteins, grains, or vegetables.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
Keywords: old-fashioned stuffed bell peppers, classic stuffed peppers, comfort food, easy dinner recipes, stuffed bell peppers with rice