Introduction

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers are a classic, hearty, and comforting dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Sweet bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, vegetables, and spices, then baked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. The result is a perfectly balanced meal in a single package — protein, veggies, and grains all in one.

This recipe is great for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. It’s comforting, wholesome, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your favorite ingredients or dietary preferences.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines simplicity with elegance. The filling is hearty and savory, while the roasted peppers add sweetness and tenderness. It’s a one-dish meal that satisfies both adults and kids, and it looks impressive on the table. Each bite is bursting with flavor and texture — juicy beef, tender rice, and soft bell peppers, all complemented by a lightly spiced tomato sauce.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Flavorful & Balanced: Sweet peppers, savory beef, and perfectly seasoned rice.
One-dish convenience: Everything cooks together in one pan for minimal cleanup.
Family-friendly: Loved by adults and children alike.
Customizable: Easy to modify with vegetables, grains, or spices.
Impressive presentation: Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per stuffed pepper

Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired

Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers:

6 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), optional
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup water or broth (optional, to thin sauce)

Simple Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut tops off peppers, remove seeds, and blanch if desired.
Sauté ground beef, onion, and garlic.
Mix beef with rice, tomatoes, cheese, and seasonings.
Stuff peppers with filling and place in baking dish.
Pour tomato sauce over peppers and bake 35–40 minutes.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Optional: blanch peppers in boiling water for 3 minutes to soften slightly, then drain.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with rice, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese (if using), Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the hollowed bell peppers, packing gently but not overfilling. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix crushed tomatoes with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add a little water or broth if needed to thin. Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed peppers.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until peppers are tender and tops are lightly browned.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese.

How to Serve

Serve as a main dish with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.
For a lower-carb version, serve with a side of cauliflower rice.
Top with extra shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Additional Recipe Tips

Blanch peppers before stuffing for tender results.
Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan for more flavor.
Cook rice ahead to save time.
Cover with foil to prevent burning; remove for last 10 minutes for browning.
Adjust seasoning to taste — add chili flakes for heat or herbs for freshness.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace beef with lentils, quinoa, or beans.
Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling.
Mexican Style: Use taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and cheddar.
Italian Style: Add Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and mozzarella.
Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked stuffed peppers or cooked ones for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered for 15–20 minutes, or microwave until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking dish (9×13 or similar)
Skillet for cooking beef and onions
Knife and cutting board
Spoon for stuffing peppers
Aluminum foil for covering

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use different types of peppers?
Yes! Bell peppers in any color work, or even poblano peppers for a mild heat.

Q2: Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! Stuff peppers, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

Q3: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes! They work as a leaner alternative to beef.

Q4: Do I have to use rice?
No — quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice are great substitutes.

Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers are hearty, flavorful, and visually stunning, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With savory beef, tender rice, and sweet roasted peppers, each bite is comforting and satisfying. Easy to customize, make ahead, and serve, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite — a wholesome one-dish meal that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.