Cheesy Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers 

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Tender peppers • savory beef filling • rich tomato sauce • golden cheesy topping

Stuffed bell peppers are one of those comforting, home-style dishes that deliver huge flavor, beautiful presentation, and a satisfying balance of vegetables, protein, and carbs. The version shown in your image uses a hearty filling, thick melted cheese, and both red and green bell peppers, which gives a great color contrast and slightly different flavors — red peppers being sweeter and green more robust and earthy.

Below is a complete, step-by-step recipe designed to help you recreate exactly what you see.

Ingredients

For the Peppers

  • 4 large bell peppers (mixed red and green like the photo)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste

For the Filling

  • 500 g ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked white rice (or uncooked if you prefer simmering it with filling)
  • 1 can (400 g) tomato sauce OR crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp cumin (optional but adds warmth)
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (mixed cheddar/mozzarella) to stir into filling

For the Topping

  • 1–2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella + cheddar blend like the picture)

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

The peppers must stand upright and hold the filling without collapsing, so choose thick-walled ones.

  1. Wash the bell peppers.
  2. Slice the tops off (or slice in half lengthwise if you prefer the “boat style” like two of the peppers in your image).
  3. Remove seeds and membranes.
  4. Rub lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a little salt.
  5. Pre-bake them at 190°C (375°F) for 10 minutes to soften slightly.

This step ensures the peppers won’t stay too firm and will bake evenly once stuffed.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

This is the heart of the recipe. The filling should be saucy, rich, and deeply flavorful.

  1. Heat a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  3. Add the diced onion and cook until softened (3–4 minutes).
  4. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Now add the seasonings:

  • Paprika
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Cumin
  • Salt & pepper

Mix well so the spices bloom in the heat.

Next:

  1. Add tomato paste and mix to coat the meat.
  2. Add the tomato sauce.
  3. Stir well and simmer for about 10 minutes.

At this stage, the mixture should be thick but still moist. If it’s dry, add a little water.

Adding the Rice

  • Stir in 1 cup of cooked white rice.
  • If you prefer raw rice, add ½ cup uncooked rice + ½ cup water and let it simmer longer until done.

Enrich with Cheese

  • Mix in ½ cup shredded cheese directly into the filling.
    This makes the filling creamy and helps bind everything together.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Place the pre-baked peppers into your baking dish.

  1. Spoon the filling all the way to the top.
  2. Gently press down to pack it tightly.
  3. Mound a little extra filling on top to create the “domed” shape seen in the picture.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping

This is what gives the stuffed peppers in your image that thick, melted, golden crown.

Use a blend like:

  • Mozzarella (for stretch and melting)
  • Cheddar (for flavor and golden color)

Cover each pepper generously — do not be shy!

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 25–30 minutes, uncovered.

You’ll know it’s ready when:

  • The cheese is bubbly
  • The top is golden
  • The peppers are tender
  • The filling is hot all the way through

If you want the top extra golden, broil for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Let the peppers cool for 5–10 minutes to set. Serve with:

  • A side salad
  • Garlic bread
  • Mashed potatoes
  • White rice

The peppers are hearty enough to be a full meal on their own.

Flavor Notes and Tips

1. Red Peppers vs Green

Your photo shows both:

  • Red peppers → sweeter, softer
  • Green peppers → slightly bitter, stronger flavor

This mix creates a balanced, beautiful dish.

2. Cheese Choice

Use any blend you like:

  • Mozzarella
  • Cheddar
  • Monterey Jack
  • Colby
  • Mexican blend

The more cheese, the more golden the top — just like your image.

3. Make It Spicy

Add:

  • Chili flakes
  • Hot paprika
  • Jalapeños
  • A spoon of harissa or sriracha

4. Make It Mediterranean

Add:

  • Feta inside the filling
  • Fresh parsley
  • Cinnamon pinch for warmth

5. Make It Healthy

Substitute:

  • Ground turkey or chicken
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Add spinach or zucchini

Storage & Reheating

These stuffed peppers store beautifully.

Refrigerator

Up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven 10 minutes.

Freezer

Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight and reheat.

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