If you are craving a colorful, comforting, and truly delicious meal, this Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Imagine tender bell peppers bursting with a savory blend of browned ground meat, fluffy rice, aromatic herbs, and juicy tomatoes, all topped off with melted, gooey cheese. Every bite delivers a perfect marriage of textures and flavors that is satisfying and homey. It’s a classic dish made simple and flavorful, guaranteed to become one of your favorite weeknight dinners or anytime meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long grocery list to create this masterpiece. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute essential flavor, texture, or visual appeal, making the dish wholesome and irresistible.
- 4 large bell peppers (any color): These act as edible bowls and bring vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and adding a light fruity richness.
- 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey: Provides hearty protein and a savory base for the filling.
- 1/2 small onion (diced): Adds gentle sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a wonderful aromatic punch that wakes up the taste buds.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Acts as a tender, fluffy filler that balances the meat and veggies.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (drained): Delivers juiciness and a slight tang without making the filling soggy.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs to brighten the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (divided): For melty, golden, cheesy goodness both inside the filling and on top.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh color pop and mild herbal brightness.
How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. This creates a perfect cavity to hold the delicious filling. Place them upright in a baking dish so they’ll stand snugly during baking. It’s the easy first step to your final colorful presentation.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. The browning creates rich flavor and caramelization. Then add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and release their incredible aroma. This foundational layer of flavor makes all the difference.
Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients
Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let everything meld together by cooking for about 2 more minutes. Then remove the skillet from the heat and mix in half of your shredded cheese. This cheese layer inside the filling adds melty indulgence with every bite.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers and Bake
Fill each bell pepper generously with the meat and rice mixture. Top each pepper with the remaining shredded cheese for a bubbling, golden finish. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. This step is where the magic of melding all textures occurs.
How to Serve Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top not only adds a burst of cheerful green but also a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor that brightens and balances the rich, cheesy filling. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for some extra zing and creaminess.
Side Dishes
These stuffed peppers are absolutely fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables rounds out the meal beautifully. Garlic bread or a light quinoa pilaf also make excellent side options to absorb any extra flavorful juices from the peppers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, you can place each stuffed bell pepper on a vibrant plate with a garnish of microgreens or edible flowers. Alternatively, hollow out mini bell peppers and make individual bite-sized appetizers inspired by this recipe. The visual appeal of the peppers filled with melty cheese and colorful filling never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be difficult), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining much of their texture and flavor, making for a quick and satisfying next-day meal.
Freezing
Stuffed bell peppers freeze beautifully. Wrap each cooled pepper tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep or a ready-to-bake dinner on a busy night.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil during reheating to keep the peppers moist, uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the cheese topping. You can also microwave in shorter bursts but oven reheating preserves the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for the Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! Mozzarella and cheddar work great, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack for spice, or even a bit of crumbled feta for tanginess. The cheese you choose will influence the character of the dish.
Is it possible to make this Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground meat for cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. Adding extra veggies like corn or mushrooms also boosts flavor and texture without meat.
Can I prepare Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe in advance?
You can prepare the filling up to two days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Stuff and bake just before serving to save time without compromising freshness.
What’s a good substitute for rice in the filling?
Quinoa or cauliflower rice make excellent substitutions. They maintain the light, fluffy texture and add a nutritional twist that some may prefer for a gluten-free or lower-carb option.
How can I tell when the stuffed peppers are fully cooked?
The peppers should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The cheese on top should be melted and bubbly, and the filling hot all the way through. The total baking time in the recipe ensures these results.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food done right. The way the fresh ingredients come together, wrapped in those tender, colorful peppers and crowned with melted cheese, is pure happiness on a plate. I can’t recommend enough that you make this soon—it’s perfect for feeding family, impressing friends, or just savoring a cozy night in. You’ll wonder how you ever made dinner without it!
Print
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese recipe features colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasoned tomatoes, topped with melted cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, these baked stuffed peppers offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Bell Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange the prepared peppers upright in a baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Meat. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Sauté Aromatics. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Combine Filling Ingredients. Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend flavors and heat through. Remove from heat and mix in half of the shredded cheese to the filling.
- Stuff the Peppers. Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper, filling them completely. Arrange the stuffed peppers back into the baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tops.
- Bake Covered. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This helps the peppers soften and the filling to heat thoroughly.
- Uncover and Finish Baking. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 more minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve. Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the stuffed peppers before serving. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, cheesy meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Boost flavor and texture by mixing in black beans or corn into the filling.
- These stuffed peppers reheat well, making them great for meal prepping.
