Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef, Rice, and Cheese Recipe
A classic and comforting stuffed pepper recipe featuring bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, seasoned rice, and diced tomatoes, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 6 bell peppers
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Grains & Legumes
- 1 cup long grain white rice, cooked
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 – 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics and beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant about 3-4 minutes. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart and cook until no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the petite diced tomatoes, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine with rice and cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked long grain white rice and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper, packing gently. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
- Bake the peppers: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the tops of the peppers. Return to oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the peppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a wholesome main course!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat level.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
Keywords: stuffed peppers, bell peppers, ground beef recipe, baked stuffed peppers, easy dinner, comfort food