Stuffed bell peppers are a timeless comfort food that never goes out of style. With tender baked peppers filled to the brim with a savory mixture of seasoned meat, rice, and tomato sauce, this classic dish delivers big flavor using simple, everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that feels cozy and satisfying while still looking colorful and impressive on the dinner table.
This classic stuffed bell peppers recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen. The filling comes together quickly in one skillet, and the oven does the rest of the work. Plus, everything bakes in a single dish, making cleanup easy and stress-free.
One of the best things about stuffed bell peppers is how versatile they are. You can easily customize the filling based on what you have on hand or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you prefer ground beef, turkey, or a meatless option, this recipe adapts beautifully while still delivering that traditional, comforting flavor everyone loves.
If you’re looking for a wholesome dinner that’s both hearty and nutritious, these stuffed bell peppers check all the boxes. They’re packed with protein, veggies, and satisfying textures, making them a go-to meal for family dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining. Once you try them, this classic recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation.
Print
Stuffed Bell Peppers
These classic stuffed bell peppers are hearty, colorful, and comforting. Filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings, then baked until tender and topped with melty cheese, they make an easy, satisfying dinner the whole family loves.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings (1 stuffed pepper per serving) 1x
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
1 cup tomato sauce, divided
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare peppers: Slice tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place peppers upright in a baking dish.
Cook filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Brown meat: Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Mix filling: Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, half of the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stuff peppers: Spoon filling evenly into peppers. Pour remaining tomato sauce around the peppers in the dish.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Serve: Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cooking Tips
-
Par-cook peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes if you prefer extra-soft peppers.
-
Uniform size matters: Choose peppers similar in size so they cook evenly.
-
Extra flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika to the filling for depth.
Variations
-
Vegetarian: Replace meat with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based crumble.
-
Low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
-
Mexican-style: Use taco seasoning, add corn and black beans, and top with pepper jack cheese.
-
Italian-style: Add marinara sauce, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
