Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare
- High in protein
- Packed with vegetables
- Perfect for meal prep
- Family-friendly
- Customizable with different fillings
- Delicious leftovers
Prep Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Peppers
- 6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cumin
For Topping
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Wash the bell peppers thoroughly.
Cut off the tops and remove:
- Seeds
- White membranes
If necessary, trim the bottoms slightly so they stand upright.
Brush lightly with olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add:
- Onion
- Garlic
Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in:
- Cooked rice
- Diced tomatoes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Cumin
Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Fill each pepper generously with the meat mixture.
Place them upright in a baking dish.
Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the dish to help steam the peppers while baking.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over each pepper.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 5: Serve
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
Variations
Mexican Style
Add:
- Black beans
- Corn
- Taco seasoning
- Cheddar cheese
Low-Carb Version
Replace rice with:
- Cauliflower rice
Mediterranean Style
Add:
- Feta cheese
- Spinach
- Olives
Spicy Version
Add:
- Jalapeños
- Cayenne pepper
- Chili flakes
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked peppers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes or microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Pepper)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Meat are a delicious, wholesome meal that combines tender roasted peppers with a rich, savory filling. The juicy beef, aromatic herbs, tomatoes, rice, and melted cheese create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or preparing meals ahead for the week, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a favorite recipe in your kitchen. 🌶️🥩🧀🍽️