Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Stuffed Peppers are a comforting, all-in-one meal featuring bell peppers filled with a hearty mixture of ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and savory seasonings. Baked until tender and topped with melted cheese, they’re a timeless dish that’s satisfying, wholesome, and easy to make ahead for busy weeknights or family dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

bell peppers (any color)ground beefcooked riceoniongarlictomato sauceItalian seasoning Worcestershire saucesalt and pepperolive oilshredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottoms slightly so they stand upright.

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until softened.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.

Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors combine.

Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing it tightly.

Place the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish to help steam the peppers.

Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.

Remove the foil, top each pepper with shredded cheese, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4-6 stuffed peppers.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 45 minutesTotal time: 65 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.

Add diced vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition.

Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Try a Tex-Mex twist by adding black beans, corn, and taco seasoning.

Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a bright finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.To freeze, wrap each cooled pepper individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Do I need to boil the peppers first?

Not necessarily. Baking them covered with a bit of water in the dish will soften them enough.

What kind of rice works best?

White rice, brown rice, or even wild rice all work well—just make sure it’s fully cooked.

Can I skip the cheese?

Yes, the dish will still be flavorful without it, or try a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—replace the meat with lentils, beans, or a plant-based ground alternative.

How do I keep the peppers from tipping over?

Trim the bottoms carefully to create a flat surface so they sit upright in the baking dish.

Conclusion

Classic Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and versatile meal that brings together savory flavors and satisfying textures in one colorful package. Whether you follow the traditional route or add your own twist, this dish is sure to become a comforting favorite at your table.