Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef – Easy Family Dinner
Stuffed bell peppers are the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug. Sweet peppers are filled with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, then topped with melted cheese and baked until tender. It's simple to put together, easy to customize, and always a hit with the whole family. If you're looking for an easy stuffed peppers recipe that turns basic pantry ingredients into a satisfying dinner, this one is a great choice.
Why this is a Great Meal
Why You'll Love This Recipe: A complete meal in one dish (protein, rice, and vegetables), simple ingredients you likely already have, great for meal prep and leftovers, easy to customize with different fillings, a cozy family-friendly comfort food.
Instructions
- 01
Prep & Pre-bake Peppers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish. Slice tops off peppers, remove seeds and membranes. Pre-bake empty peppers for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
- 02
Cook Beef & Rice Filling: Heat oil in a pan, cook diced onion until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add minced garlic, seasonings, cooked rice, and tomato sauce, stirring until well combined.
- 03
Stuff & Top with Cheese: Pack the beef and rice mixture gently into each pre-baked bell pepper. Top generously with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
- 04
Bake & Serve: Bake for 25–30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and golden. Let cool slightly, then cut open and serve hot.
- ✦Pre-baking the peppers for 10 minutes helps them soften nicely without turning mushy.
- ✦Use leftover cooked rice to speed up prep time on busy weeknights.
- ✦Don't overstuff the peppers, since the rice filling expands slightly as it bakes.
- ✦Choose peppers with flat bottoms that stand upright easily in your baking dish.
- ✦Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Need Metric or Gram Weights?
Convert cup measurements to grams using ingredient-specific density factors.
Easy Variations
Turkey or Chicken Filling
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Fiesta Style
Add black beans, corn, and Monterey Jack cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.
Low-Carb Swap
Replace cooked rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to cook the peppers before stuffing them?
A: Pre-baking them for about 10 minutes helps soften them so they cook evenly, though it's optional if you prefer a bit more bite.
Q: Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble them a day ahead, keep covered in the fridge, and bake when ready.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?
A: Yes, freeze them baked or unbaked in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q: What can I use instead of rice?
A: Cooked quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice all work well as substitutes.
Q: Which peppers work best for stuffing?
A: Large, evenly shaped bell peppers in any color work well, though red and yellow peppers tend to be a bit sweeter.
Nutrition
Approximate values — meant as a guide, not a verdict.
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