Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers – Cheesy, Savory & Family-Friendly Dinner

Few dishes bring as much comfort as a tray of golden, cheese-topped stuffed bell peppers. This recipe combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, juicy tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese for a meal that’s hearty, cozy, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a recipe I grew up with, and every time I make it, the aroma of peppers baking in the oven reminds me of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, this is one you’ll want to pin and make again and again.

Why You’ll Love It

• Cheesy, savory, and hearty—a full meal baked right inside a pepper.
• Easy to make ahead and reheat, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly recipe that even picky eaters enjoy.
• Versatile—swap proteins, grains, or cheeses to suit your taste.
• Nutritious and colorful—packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Meal prep friendly—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days.

Time Needed

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 7 peppers

Ingredients

• 7 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or sausage)
• 1 ½ cups cooked brown rice
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the peppers Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and place upright in a baking dish.
2. Sauté the aromatics In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, then stir in garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Cook the beef Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes.
4. Make the filling Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 4–5 minutes until thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Stuff the peppers Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper. Bake for 10–12 minutes until peppers are slightly softened.
6. Add the cheese Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper. Bake another 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Variations to Try

• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice.
• Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
• Cheese Lover’s: Try mozzarella, Monterey jack, or pepper jack.
• Kid-Friendly: Serve deconstructed—peppers on the side, filling in a bowl.

Tips from Chef Emma

• Pre-bake peppers for softer texture, or leave them firmer for more bite.
• Always cook the meat first—it adds flavor and ensures doneness.
• Make a double batch—the leftovers reheat beautifully and save time later.
• Freeze unbaked stuffed peppers for up to 3 months, then bake from frozen.

Nutrition Info per Serving

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
• Calories: 262
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Sugars: 8g
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 21g
• Sodium: 168mg

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Should I cook the peppers before stuffing them?
  A: It depends! Pre-baking gives a softer texture, while skipping it keeps them firmer.
• Q: Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?
  A: Yes, assemble them in advance and bake when ready, or freeze for later.
• Q: What other proteins can I use?
  A: Ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even plant-based crumbles all work well.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?
  A: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are everything you want in a weeknight dinner—cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor. They’re customizable, meal-prep friendly, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. Whether for a quick dinner or a freezer-friendly meal, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Save this recipe to your dinner board so you’ll have it ready whenever you need a family favorite!

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