The Best Classic Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

Get ready for a crowd-pleasing, classic comfort food dinner that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! This easy stuffed peppers recipe features sweet bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, all baked to tender perfection. It’s the perfect family-friendly weeknight dinner, providing a complete, satisfying meal all in one dish that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

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Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 60-65 mins (includes baking time)
Servings: 6 (one pepper half per serving)

Ingredients:

• 6 medium Bell Peppers, any color (red, yellow, or orange work best)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
• 1 1/2 cups Cooked Rice, white or brown
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Peppers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the bell peppers in half from stem to bottom and remove the seeds and white membranes. Arrange them cut-side up in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling it with a spoon, until it is no longer pink. Add the chopped onion and continue to cook for 4-5 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
3. Create the Ground Beef and Rice Filling: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. To the ground beef mixture, add the undrained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
4. Stuff the Bell Peppers: Evenly divide the filling among the prepared pepper halves, mounding the mixture slightly.
5. Prepare for Baking: Pour about 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish, around the peppers. This creates steam to help cook the peppers until they are tender.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Melt the Cheese and Finish: Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops of the peppers. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are fork-tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
8. Garnish and Serve: Allow the stuffed peppers to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Recipe Notes:

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the entire filling up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply stuff the peppers and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the initial covered baking time.
• Ingredient Variations: Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage. For the rice, quinoa or couscous also work wonderfully.
• Pepper Prep: If your pepper halves are wobbly, you can slice a tiny bit off the bottom to create a flat surface so they stand up straight in the pan.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this vegetarian, simply omit the meat and add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or lentils, along with 8 ounces of chopped mushrooms sautéed with the onions.
• Storage and Reheating: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

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And there you have it – a vibrant and hearty dish of classic stuffed peppers that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special weeknight meal. We hope you enjoy the comforting flavors and the simple joy of making this wonderful dish! Happy cooking!

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 410; Fat: 20g; Carbohydrates: 30g (Fiber: 5g, Sugars: 10g); Protein: 26g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.