Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef and Rice

Introduction

Classic ground beef and rice stuffed bell peppers are a timeless comfort food that combines tender roasted peppers with a savory meat and rice filling. This dish delivers balanced flavor, satisfying texture and colorful presentation, making it a popular choice for family dinners and meal prep. As a result, stuffed peppers remain a staple in home kitchens across many cultures.

Moreover, this recipe is highly versatile and budget-friendly. Because it uses simple pantry ingredients and straightforward preparation, it is easy to customize while still offering reliable results. At the same time, baking the peppers allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and comforting meal.

Thanks to their hearty filling and wholesome ingredients, stuffed bell peppers provide a complete one-dish dinner that is both nourishing and filling.

History and Recipe Background

Stuffed vegetables have been prepared for centuries in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and European cuisines. Bell peppers became a popular stuffing vessel due to their mild sweetness, firm structure and vibrant color.

The combination of ground beef, rice and tomato sauce reflects classic American-style adaptations that emphasize hearty portions and familiar flavors. Over time, cheese was added as a topping to enhance richness and create a golden baked finish.

Today, stuffed bell peppers continue to be enjoyed worldwide as a practical and comforting baked dish that adapts easily to different dietary preferences.

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers, any color
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
& 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
2 cups cooked white rice
24 oz pasta sauce or marinara
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar mozzarella blend
Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C. Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and inner membranes.

Arrange the pepper halves cut-side up in a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Set aside while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook while breaking up the meat until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for one additional minute until fragrant. Drain excess fat to prevent greasy filling.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a large bowl. Add cooked rice, one and a half cups of pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and well seasoned.

Step 4: Stuff and Bake

Spoon the meat and rice mixture generously into each pepper half, slightly mounding the filling on top.

Spoon additional pasta sauce over each filled pepper and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.

Bake uncovered for approximately 45 minutes until the peppers become tender and the cheese melts into a bubbly golden topping.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Serve warm as a complete main dish or alongside a light salad for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving:

Calories: 410
Protein: 28 grams
Carbohydrates: 32 grams
Fat: 18 grams
Fiber: 5 grams
Sugar: 8 grams

This meal offers lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables and balanced carbohydrates, making it suitable for family dinners and meal planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well and adds additional fiber and nutrients.

Can I prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the peppers up to one day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator before baking.

Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?

Yes, baked or unbaked stuffed peppers freeze well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What other cheeses work well?

Mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack and Colby blends all work beautifully in this recipe.

How do I keep peppers from becoming watery?

Drain excess grease from the meat and avoid adding too much sauce to the filling mixture.

Conclusion

Classic ground beef and rice stuffed bell peppers deliver comforting flavor, wholesome ingredients and beautiful presentation in one easy baked dish. With tender peppers, savory filling and melted cheese topping, this recipe provides a reliable family favorite.

Because it is customizable, freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep, stuffed bell peppers deserve a permanent place in your dinner rotation. Once you make this recipe, it will quickly become a household favorite.