Welcome to a culinary journey that celebrates comfort, flavor, and affordability: the classic stuffed bell pepper. This beloved dish has graced dinner tables for generations, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with incredible taste. Utilizing budget-friendly ingredients, our recipe transforms vibrant bell peppers into edible bowls brimming with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, aromatic vegetables, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a timeless favorite that promises big flavors without breaking the bank, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. If you’re searching for a meal that delivers on all fronts – taste, ease, and value – look no further. These stuffed bell peppers are about to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Stuffed bell peppers are a truly global phenomenon, a testament to their widespread appeal and adaptability. From the bustling kitchens of the Mediterranean to traditional American diners, variations of hollowed or halved peppers filled with an array of delectable mixtures—including meats, vegetables, grains, and cheeses—can be found in countless cultures. Our particular recipe honors this rich tradition, staying very close to the quintessential American stuffed bell pepper while adding a modern touch with a generous helping of cheese.
The beauty of this dish lies in its timeless simplicity. Some recipes have a way of enduring for centuries, and this is certainly one of them. When something is inherently good, there’s little need to overcomplicate it. However, the versatility of stuffed bell peppers also means you’re encouraged to customize! Feel free to experiment with different types of peppers, explore various filling combinations, or even adjust the seasonings to suit your palate. This recipe serves as a fantastic foundation for your own culinary creativity.
For instance, we love to incorporate a mix of different colored bell peppers—red, yellow, and orange—not just for a visually stunning presentation but also for a milder, sweeter flavor profile compared to the sometimes more pungent green peppers. For those who appreciate a little extra kick, substituting standard Monterey Jack with Pepper Jack cheese can elevate the experience. This easy stuffed bell peppers recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a healthy, satisfying, and budget-friendly dinner solution that checks all the boxes. It’s simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and keeps your grocery budget happily intact. For us, these qualities define a truly indispensable recipe: delicious, effortless, and economical. It’s the perfect trifecta!
If you’re on the hunt for other budget-friendly meals that cleverly utilize ground beef, we highly recommend exploring some of our other fantastic creations. Our One Pot Hamburger Helper (Homemade) offers a comforting and convenient twist on a childhood classic. For a taste of nostalgic American comfort food, our Old Fashioned Goulash (American Goulash) is truly outstanding. And for a weeknight staple that never disappoints, our Easy Meatloaf recipe is simply fabulous. Each of these dishes delivers robust flavor and excellent value, ensuring your family enjoys delicious meals without any fuss.
Ingredients Needed
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with this meticulously crafted stuffed bell pepper recipe. The harmonious blend of savory ground beef, fluffy rice, a vibrant medley of colorful vegetables, and rich, cheesy goodness is exquisitely complemented by zesty notes from tomato paste and a fragrant whisper of oregano, all perfectly balanced with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Ground beef and rice – The heart of our stuffing is lean ground beef, which provides a robust, savory depth and satisfying protein to the dish. Choosing a quality ground beef with an 80/20 or 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio works beautifully, offering enough richness without being overly greasy. The cooked rice, whether white or brown, is essential for adding a delightful texture, increasing the volume of the stuffing, and lending a mild, nutty flavor that beautifully absorbs the other ingredients’ essences. It also helps to bind the mixture together.
Vegetables – Bell peppers themselves are the star, offering their signature vibrant crunch and a naturally sweet, fresh taste that softens beautifully during baking. We suggest using a variety of colors—red, yellow, orange—not only for aesthetic appeal but also for their subtly different sweet undertones. Finely chopped onion and minced garlic are the aromatic foundation, infusing the entire dish with a deep, fragrant warmth. Fire-roasted tomatoes, typically found canned, introduce a smoky, slightly tangy complexity that elevates the overall flavor profile beyond what plain diced tomatoes could offer. They add moisture and a rich tomato base to the filling.
Cheese – Monterey Jack cheese is our top recommendation for its excellent melting properties and mild, creamy flavor, which binds the stuffing ingredients and creates a luscious, golden-brown topping. For those desiring a touch of heat, Pepper Jack cheese is a fantastic alternative, providing a subtle spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the other savory components. Feel free to use freshly grated cheese from a block for the best melt and flavor.
Spices and Seasonings – A good quality olive oil is used to sauté our aromatics, setting the stage for the rest of the flavors. Tomato paste, concentrated and intensely savory, provides a deep umami foundation, adding richness and a hint of sweetness that rounds out the tomato base. Dried oregano imparts an earthy, herbaceous note, reminiscent of classic Italian or Mediterranean flavors, which perfectly complements the beef and tomatoes. Finally, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are crucial for seasoning the dish, balancing and enhancing all the individual flavors, bringing everything together into a cohesive and incredibly tasty experience. Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting the seasoning to your preference!
Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen not only for its individual quality but for how it contributes to the overall symphony of flavors and textures, making these stuffed bell peppers a truly delicious and immensely satisfying meal.
How To Prepare Stuffed Bell Peppers
Preparing these delicious stuffed bell peppers is a straightforward process, broken down into easy-to-follow steps that ensure a flavorful outcome. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to get it ready for baking. This ensures the peppers cook evenly once they’re assembled.
Next, prepare your rice according to the package instructions. For most white rice, this involves rinsing, combining with a specific ratio of water, bringing to a boil, then simmering until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy. While the rice is cooking, prepare your bell peppers. Carefully remove the tops of the peppers by cutting around the stem. Then, scoop out the seeds and any membranes from the inside, creating a clean cavity for your stuffing. Place the hollowed peppers, cut-side up, in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Setting them aside until the filling is ready.
Now, let’s create that incredible filling. Take a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the olive oil and, once shimmering, toss in the chopped onions. Sauté them gently until they become tender and translucent, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. The goal is to soften them and bring out their natural sweetness without browning them too much.
Stir in the tomato paste and continue to cook for about one more minute. You’ll notice it starting to deepen in color and become wonderfully fragrant as it lightly caramelizes – this step is crucial for building a rich flavor base.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat into small, minced pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until almost all the pink has disappeared from the beef. This usually takes about 4 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This helps prevent the final dish from becoming greasy and allows the other flavors to shine through. Return the skillet to the heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute or so, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and no pink remains in the ground beef.
Next, incorporate the fire-roasted tomatoes and your pre-cooked rice into the beef mixture. Season generously with dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the spices are evenly distributed. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the liquid reduce slightly and the flavors meld beautifully. This simmering step concentrates the flavors and ensures your filling isn’t too watery.
At this point, it’s crucial to give the filling a taste. Adjust the seasoning by adding any additional salt or pepper to suit your individual preferences. Remember, you want a well-seasoned filling that will carry the dish.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half a cup of your shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack). Mix it around until the cheese is just combined and starting to melt into the warm mixture. This adds creaminess and helps bind the filling further.
Now comes the fun part: stuffing the peppers! Spoon your flavorful beef and rice mixture generously into each bell pepper cavity. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of filling; you’ll have plenty to nicely top off all your peppers, ensuring each one is deliciously full.
Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to cover your baking dish completely. For best results and to prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil during baking, lightly spray the underside of the foil with a non-stick cooking spray before covering the peppers. Place the covered baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
Once the peppers are tender, carefully pull the baking dish out of the oven and remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for another 10 minutes or so, until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden brown. This creates a irresistible cheesy crust.
Remove the finished stuffed bell peppers from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the flavors settle and makes them easier to handle. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve these magnificent peppers hot. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of tender pepper, savory beef and rice, and gooey melted cheese, making it a meal that’s both comforting and incredibly delicious!
Over the years, this particular stuffed bell pepper recipe has been a staple in our home, prepared countless times. We’ve certainly experimented with various combinations and minor tweaks, always with an eye to see if we could somehow enhance its already fantastic appeal. The wonderful truth is that this dish is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. You can truly mix it up in any way you like, incorporating your favorite spices, herbs, or even different vegetables. It’s a canvas for culinary creativity, and it shines in so many variations.
Even my wife, who isn’t usually the biggest fan of bell peppers, genuinely enjoys this dish. She might not eat the entire pepper shell, but she’s always happy to dive into the savory filling, and that’s a win in my book! On the other hand, I can’t get enough of it—I happily devour every last bit. The perfectly seasoned beef, combined with the fluffy rice and smoky fire-roasted tomatoes, all complemented by the tender, sweet bite of the roasted bell pepper… it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that always hits the spot. It’s comforting, hearty, and surprisingly elegant.
We truly encourage you to give this versatile and delicious recipe a try. We’re confident it will become a new favorite in your household. And please, don’t hesitate to share your experiences with us! Did you introduce any exciting changes or discover a new favorite variation? We’d absolutely love to hear from you. Your feedback and creative twists inspire us all!
Tips And Variations
Stuffed bell peppers are incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for customization and improvement. Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish is always perfect, along with exciting variations to keep things fresh and interesting:
- Choose the right bell peppers: The foundation of this dish is the pepper itself. When selecting bell peppers, look for ones that are firm to the touch, boast vibrant colors, and feel heavy for their size. Crucially, choose peppers with a relatively flat bottom, as this will help them stand upright in the baking dish and prevent them from toppling over during cooking. A mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers offers a sweeter, milder flavor than green peppers and adds beautiful color.
- Mix ingredients thoroughly for optimal flavor: When combining the cooked ground beef, rice, sautéed onion and garlic, cheese, and spices, take your time to mix them thoroughly. This ensures that every bite of the stuffing is consistently flavorful and well-balanced. Don’t just stir; really work the ingredients together.
- Enhance nutritional value with brown rice: For a more nutrient-dense and fiber-rich dish, easily substitute white rice with cooked brown rice. The slightly chewier texture of brown rice adds another dimension to the filling and provides sustained energy. Adjust cooking time for brown rice accordingly.
- Opt for lighter protein options: To create a lighter calorie dish without sacrificing flavor, consider using ground chicken or lean ground turkey in place of ground beef. Both absorb flavors beautifully and offer a healthier alternative. Just ensure they are cooked through until no pink remains.
- Experiment with a blend of cheeses: While Monterey Jack is excellent, feel free to add any mix of your favorite melty cheeses. Sharp cheddar cheese will add a tangy, robust flavor, while mozzarella cheese provides a classic stringy, mild melt. A combination of cheeses can create a more complex flavor profile. The key is to use a cheese that melts well to achieve that irresistible gooey topping.
- Substitute with Italian sausage for a savory twist: For an intensely flavorful and aromatic variation, swap the lean ground beef for Italian sausage. Mild or hot Italian sausage will infuse the stuffing with fennel, garlic, and other spices, creating a rich and savory depth that’s truly delicious. Remove the casings before browning if using bulk sausage.
- Go for a Tex-Mex flair: Transform your stuffed peppers into a fiesta of flavors! Replace oregano with a vibrant blend of cumin and chili powder. Use Pepper Jack cheese for an extra spicy kick. You could even incorporate canned black beans (rinsed and drained) and a packet of taco seasoning into the filling to really elevate the Tex-Mex theme. Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.
- Create a Mediterranean-inspired delight: For a fresh and aromatic twist, add generous amounts of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and mint to your stuffing mixture. Swap out Monterey Jack for crumbly feta cheese, which offers a salty tang that beautifully complements the herbs and tomatoes. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished peppers can brighten the flavors even further.
- Add more vegetables: Finely diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms can be sautéed with the onions and garlic to boost the vegetable content and add more texture and nutrients to the filling.
- Meal prep friendly: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Stuff the peppers and bake them closer to serving time for a fresh meal with minimal effort on a busy weeknight.
- Serving suggestions: Stuffed bell peppers are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a simple side salad, a crusty piece of bread to sop up any juices, or a side of steamed green beans.
FAQ’s
Absolutely! Stuffed bell peppers are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for adapting to your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile. For a delicious plant-based alternative, crumbled firm tofu, cooked lentils, or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and quinoa work wonderfully. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as leaner meats or plant-based proteins might cook faster.
Yes, stuffed bell peppers freeze exceptionally well, making them an excellent option for meal prepping! After cooking, allow the peppers to cool completely to room temperature. Then, individually wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Ensure as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), covered, for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Absolutely! This is a fantastic time-saving strategy for busy weeknights. You can prepare the entire stuffing mixture (beef, rice, vegetables, and seasonings) up to 1-2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply stuff the fresh bell peppers with the pre-made mixture and proceed with the baking instructions as outlined in the recipe. This allows you to enjoy a freshly cooked meal with minimal effort on the day you plan to serve it.
While green bell peppers are traditionally used, red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are often preferred for their sweeter, milder flavor and vibrant color, which adds to the dish’s aesthetic appeal. Look for peppers that are firm, heavy, and have a relatively flat bottom for stability in the baking dish.
If you prefer very tender bell peppers, you can par-boil them before stuffing. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the cored bell peppers, and boil for 5-7 minutes. Drain them thoroughly and then proceed with stuffing and baking. This step ensures an even softer texture, especially for larger or thicker-walled peppers.
Other Great Weekday Meals
Looking for more delicious and dependable recipes to add to your weekday rotation? Here are a few fantastic options that promise flavor, comfort, and ease, just like our stuffed bell peppers. These dishes are perfect for satisfying hunger and making mealtime enjoyable after a long day.
Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
Roasted Chicken with Dijon Cream Sauce
Old Fashioned Goulash (American Goulash)
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Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1/2 cup Rice cooked
- 6 Bell peppers various colors, tops and cores removed
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese or Pepper Jack for an additional kick
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Onion medium, choppped
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 14 oz Tomatoes fire roasted, 1 can, diced
- 1 tsp Oregano dried
- 1/2 tsp Salt kosher
- 1/4 tsp Pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a pot, prepare rice according to the instructions on its package.
- Using a large skillet, heat to medium and add olive oil. Add chopped onions and saute until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.1 tbsp Olive oil, 1 tbsp Onion
- Add tomato paste and stir, cooking for about 1 more minute until it becomes fragrant and deepens in color.1 tbsp Tomato paste
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon until almost no pink remains, approximately 4 minutes.1 lb Ground beef
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then return it to the heat and add the minced garlic.3 cloves Garlic
- Continue to cook for an additional minute or so until no pink remains in the ground beef and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked rice and fire-roasted tomatoes. Add the salt, pepper, and oregano, mixing well to combine all ingredients.1/2 cup Rice, 14 oz Tomatoes, 1 tsp Oregano
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce marginally and flavors to meld.
- Taste the mixture and season with additional salt and pepper to your individual preference.1/2 tsp Salt, 1/4 tsp Pepper
- Remove the skillet from heat and add 1/2 cup of the Monterey Jack (or Pepper Jack) cheese, mixing until well combined and the cheese starts to melt.1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- Place the prepared bell peppers, cut side up, in a 9″x13″ baking dish.6 Bell peppers
- Generously spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper cavity, ensuring they are well-filled.
- Take a sheet of aluminum foil, spray one side with a non-stick cooking spray, and tightly cover the stuffed peppers with the sprayed side down.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven, carefully take off the foil, and top the peppers with the remaining cheese.
- Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for about 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Remove the stuffed bell peppers from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Allow them to cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating. Place the leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out. Proper storage is key to enjoying them later.
Stuffed bell peppers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While they will still be good after this time, it’s generally best to consume them within this timeframe to ensure optimal quality, flavor, and texture.
Reheating
When it’s time to reheat your delicious leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed bell peppers in an oven-safe dish, cover them loosely with aluminum foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through to the center. Alternatively, for a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate. Start with 2-3 minutes on high, then continue in 30-second increments until hot. Be aware that microwave reheating might alter the texture of the pepper slightly, but the filling will still be delicious.