Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef – Easy & Delicious Recipe
Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef
Stuffed bell peppers ground beef is a dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and visual appeal in every bite. Sweet bell peppers, vibrant in color, are hollowed and filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. When baked, the peppers become tender, the filling melds into a rich and flavorful mixture, and the dish offers a balance of textures and tastes that makes it irresistible.
What makes stuffed bell peppers ground beef special is its versatility and ability to satisfy a range of palates. The peppers’ natural sweetness complements the savory, well-seasoned beef, while the filling remains moist and hearty. Every bite is a combination of tender vegetable, rich meat, and fragrant herbs. It’s a classic dish that people love because it is wholesome, homey, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Whether served for weeknight meals or a more festive occasion, stuffed bell peppers ground beef delivers both elegance and comfort in one dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this stuffed bell peppers ground beef recipe because it brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels elevated. The method ensures that each pepper cooks evenly and retains its shape, while the filling remains moist, flavorful, and satisfying. Unlike generic stuffed peppers, this version is thoughtfully balanced, combining protein, grains, and aromatics to create a dish that’s filling but not heavy.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its flexibility. It works with a variety of bell pepper colors, different types of rice, or even alternative grains. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your family’s tastes while maintaining a consistent, delicious result. This recipe is also adaptable for dietary preferences, from low carb to gluten-free, without compromising flavor. For home cooks seeking both convenience and culinary satisfaction, stuffed bell peppers ground beef offers a reliable, impressive, and rewarding dish that becomes a staple in any kitchen.
The final reason is its visual and sensory appeal. The vibrant peppers, fragrant filling, and lightly browned tops create a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Presentation matters, and these stuffed peppers do not disappoint. Every component is intentional, offering a balanced bite, with sweet, savory, and herbal notes that complement each other perfectly.
Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving
Ingredients
Substitution Notes:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the bell peppers
Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Slice off the tops and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. You can also cut a thin slice from the bottom to help them stand upright, but avoid making a hole in the bottom. Lightly brush the peppers with olive oil to keep them moist while baking. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Cook the ground beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to build flavor. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Combine the filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with the cooked rice, half of the shredded cheese, and chopped parsley. Add a few tablespoons of tomato sauce to moisten the filling. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasoning and ingredients. This creates a cohesive filling that will remain moist inside the peppers.
Step 4: Stuff the peppers
Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper, pressing gently to fill. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over and around the peppers, which keeps the filling moist during baking and creates a flavorful sauce for serving.
Step 5: Bake the stuffed peppers
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of each pepper. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender. Baking ensures the peppers soften without becoming mushy and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and finish
Once baked, let the peppers rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle additional fresh parsley or herbs on top for color and aroma. The resting period allows the filling to settle and makes serving easier.
How to Serve
Stuffed bell peppers ground beef are best served fresh and warm straight from the oven. Carefully plate each pepper upright on individual plates or arrange them together in a shallow serving dish to showcase their vibrant colors. Spoon some of the tomato sauce from the baking dish over the top and around the peppers to add moisture and enhance flavor. A light sprinkling of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, adds color, aroma, and a final touch of freshness that elevates the presentation. For a more indulgent version, add a little extra grated cheese on top right before serving.
These peppers pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of the beef filling, while roasted or steamed vegetables can round out the meal with extra texture and nutrition. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread works well to soak up the tomato sauce, making each bite even more satisfying. For a lighter option, serve with a side of cauliflower mash or a simple herb-infused rice. The versatility in presentation allows you to adapt the meal to casual weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even more elegant occasions, ensuring every serving is both delicious and visually appealing.
Additional Tips
Recipe Variations
Freezing and Storage
Nutritional Information (Approximate values per serving)
Final Words
Stuffed bell peppers ground beef is more than just a comforting meal; it is a dish that brings balance, flavor, and nutrition to your table. The combination of sweet, tender peppers with a savory, well-seasoned ground beef filling creates a satisfying bite that appeals to both adults and children. Learning to prepare this dish at home gives you control over the ingredients, ensuring a wholesome and delicious result every time. With the proper technique, even novice cooks can achieve a perfectly baked, flavorful dish that rivals what you’d enjoy in a restaurant setting.
The versatility of stuffed bell peppers is another reason this recipe is so valuable. You can customize the filling with different grains, proteins, and vegetables to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. From low-carb versions using cauliflower rice to Mediterranean-style peppers with olives and feta, the possibilities are nearly endless. Mastering this recipe provides a foundation for experimenting with flavors while still delivering a consistent, crowd-pleasing result. The dish works equally well for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, making it a reliable staple in your cooking repertoire.
Finally, preparing stuffed bell peppers ground beef is a rewarding experience that combines practical cooking skills with creativity. Each step, from prepping the peppers to seasoning the filling and baking them to perfection, helps you refine your kitchen confidence. Sharing this dish with family or friends creates a sense of warmth and satisfaction that goes beyond the plate. By taking the time to make stuffed bell peppers at home, you invest in a meal that nourishes, delights, and elevates everyday dining. With this recipe, you can enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade, flavorful, and visually stunning dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
FAQ’s
Stuffed Bell Peppers Ground Beef – Easy & Delicious Recipe
Course: Dinner Recipes4
servings20
minutes40
minutes350
kcalIngredients
4 large bell peppers, any color
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
- Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Slice off the tops and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. You can also cut a thin slice from the bottom to help them stand upright, but avoid making a hole in the bottom. Lightly brush the peppers with olive oil to keep them moist while baking. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to build flavor. Drain excess fat if needed.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with the cooked rice, half of the shredded cheese, and chopped parsley. Add a few tablespoons of tomato sauce to moisten the filling. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasoning and ingredients. This creates a cohesive filling that will remain moist inside the peppers.
- Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper, pressing gently to fill. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over and around the peppers, which keeps the filling moist during baking and creates a flavorful sauce for serving.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of each pepper. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender. Baking ensures the peppers soften without becoming mushy and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Once baked, let the peppers rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle additional fresh parsley or herbs on top for color and aroma. The resting period allows the filling to settle and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Select firm, evenly sized bell peppers to ensure uniform cooking.
- Do not overfill the peppers; leave a little space at the top to allow expansion during baking.
- Cook the rice slightly underdone if using freshly cooked grains so the filling doesn’t become mushy.
- Covering the dish for the first part of baking keeps the peppers from drying out.
- Add a small splash of broth or water to the baking dish if the tomato sauce seems thin during cooking.
- Use a nonstick or lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Fresh herbs added at the end enhance flavor without overpowering the dish.
