Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

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Looking for a satisfying, colorful dish that looks impressive yet comes together effortlessly? Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are your answer. These hearty, cheesy peppers are filled with a flavorful blend of seasoned ground beef, rice, and tomato, all baked until bubbly and golden. Each bite is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors—the slight crunch of the roasted pepper, the tender beef and rice filling, and the irresistible melted cheese on top.

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Perfect for a family dinner or when entertaining guests, this recipe offers both comfort and nutrition. Stuffed bell peppers are incredibly versatile and can be prepped ahead, making them ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays. Whether you’re serving them with a crisp salad or buttery mashed potatoes, this dish always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

  • It’s a full meal in a single pepper—protein, carbs, and veggies all in one.
  • Super customizable: use ground turkey, quinoa, or swap cheeses to your liking.
  • Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and weeknight-friendly.
  • A beautiful, colorful presentation without the fuss.

What Kind of Bell Peppers Should I Use?

Red, yellow, orange, or green—use what you have or mix for a rainbow presentation. Red and yellow peppers are sweeter, while green has a slightly more bitter edge, offering contrast to the savory filling. For best results, choose firm, medium-to-large peppers that can stand upright without tipping.


Ingredients for the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers use simple ingredients, but each one plays an important role in flavor and texture.

  • Bell Peppers: The edible vessel! Choose ones that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
  • Ground Beef: The savory heart of the filling. Use lean ground beef for less grease.
  • Cooked Rice: Adds texture and bulk. You can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice.
  • Onion & Garlic: Aromatic essentials that deepen the flavor.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Juicy and tangy, they balance out the richness of the beef.
  • Italian Seasoning: Adds herby warmth to the filling.
  • Shredded Cheese: A bubbly, melty topping—cheddar and mozzarella are great choices.
  • Olive Oil & Salt: For sautéing and seasoning.

How To Make the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush with oil and bake cut-side down for 10-12 minutes at 375°F to soften them up.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned, then stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Flip peppers upright and stuff them generously with the filling. Top with shredded cheese and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives before serving for a pop of freshness.

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers


How to Serve and Store Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are a hearty main course and typically serve 4 to 6 people. Serve hot with your choice of side dish or simply enjoy them as-is for a complete meal. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze cooked peppers for up to 2 months.

To freeze: Wrap each pepper in foil or place in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.


What to Serve With Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers?

Garlic Bread

Crusty and buttery, garlic bread is the perfect companion to soak up any extra filling.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh contrast to the hearty peppers.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes make this meal extra comforting.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds crunch and extra nutrients.

Caesar Salad

Classic, crisp, and tangy—a great side for balance.

Sautéed Zucchini

Light and easy, zucchini complements the pepper’s natural sweetness.

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Naturally sweet with a hint of caramelization, they pair beautifully.


Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore more comforting meals like these:


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I’d love to hear how your stuffed peppers turned out! Did you go with a cheesy top or spicy kick? Maybe added black beans or corn? Let’s swap ideas!

Explore beautifully curated meal recipes and healthy twists on comfort food on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover new dinner favorites!

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Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers


  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Stuffed with seasoned beef, rice, and tomatoes, these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a satisfying, wholesome dish that turns everyday ingredients into a cozy dinner favorite. Topped with melty cheese and baked until bubbly, this all-in-one meal is perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep. Whether you’re searching for dinner ideas, an easy recipe for a crowd, or a quick and hearty dish, these stuffed peppers check all the boxes. It’s one of those food ideas that tastes as good as it looks—and it’s freezer-friendly too!


Ingredients

4 bell peppers

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cooked rice

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish


Instructions

1. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.

2. Brush peppers with olive oil and bake cut-side down at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

3. In a skillet, heat oil and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and ground beef, cook until browned.

4. Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Turn peppers upright and stuff with the beef-rice mixture.

6. Top each with shredded cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

You can prepare the filling a day ahead and stuff the peppers when ready to bake.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: easy recipe, stuffed peppers, dinner ideas, healthy snack, food ideas

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