Stuffed Bell Peppers (Hearty, Colorful & 50 Minutes)

Stuffed bell peppers are a complete meal in a colorful package. Ground beef. Rice. Tomato sauce. Baked until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbling.

Fifty minutes. One dish. Dinner solved.

Ingredients

Serves 4 (4 peppers).

• 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeded
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut tops off peppers. Remove seeds and membranes.
3. Place peppers upright in a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion and garlic 2 minutes.
2. Add ground beef. Cook 5-6 minutes until browned. Drain grease.
3. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2 minutes.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Spoon filling into each pepper, pressing down gently.
2. Top each with shredded cheese.

Step 4: Bake

1. Add ¼ cup water to the bottom of the baking dish (steams the peppers).
2. Cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove foil. Bake 5-10 more minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

Summary

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35-40 minutes | Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Yield: 4 stuffed peppers

Difficulty: Easy

Storage Notes

Keeps in fridge for 4 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave. Freezes well for 2 months. Great for meal prep—make a double batch.