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Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

3.8 from 32 reviews

Enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal with our Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe. This dish features lean ground beef, cooked brown rice, and a savory mix of tomatoes and spices stuffed into vibrant bell peppers. Topped with melted cheddar jack cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an ideal dinner option that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 7 large bell peppers (top and core removed)
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 23 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
  • Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Proteins & Grains

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1½ cups cooked brown rice

Pantry Items & Spices

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • Kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the halved bell peppers cut-side up in a baking dish, ready for filling.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pan with the aromatics. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5–6 minutes, ensuring it’s evenly browned.
  4. Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, paprika, kosher salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes to blend flavors and heat through.
  5. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper, filling them generously. Arrange them back into the baking dish.
  6. Bake Peppers: Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the peppers become tender but still hold their shape.
  7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the baking dish, top each pepper with shredded cheddar jack cheese, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Once done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey instead of beef.
  • Vegetarian version: Replace meat with black beans or cooked quinoa.
  • Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or monterey jack for variation.
  • Cook rice ahead of time to speed up preparation.
  • Be careful not to overbake peppers; they should remain tender but not mushy.
  • Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

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