Name: Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Stuffed bell peppers are one of those meals that look fancy but are actually incredibly simple to make. The vibrant peppers act as natural bowls, holding a hearty mixture of seasoned meat, rice, and melted cheese. Not only do they present beautifully at the dinner table, but they also pack incredible flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping for guests, Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers strike the perfect balance between comfort food and health-conscious eating. The combo of gooey cheese, tender ground beef, and aromatic spices makes them a family favorite that can easily be adapted to suit vegetarian or low-carb preferences.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, take a moment to prep your workspace and gather the tools you’ll need:

Sharp Chef’s Knife: For slicing off pepper tops and dicing onions or garlic. A clean cut ensures the peppers stand flat and cook evenly.
Cutting Board: Protects your counters and makes chopping safer and cleaner.
Large Skillet or Saute Pan: To brown the meat and combine filling ingredients before stuffing the peppers.

Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining rice, meat, sauce, and spices once everything is pre-cooked.
Baking Dish or Casserole Pan: This holds the peppers upright while baking and helps them cook through evenly.
Aluminum Foil: To tent over the peppers for part of the bake, allowing them to soften without burning the cheese.

Tongs or a Spatula: Helps safely transfer the peppers in and out of the dish without tipping them over.

Having these ready will make your cooking smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, with minimal cleanup, this is a low-effort, high-reward kind of meal.

Ingredients for the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in layering flavor and texture:

Bell Peppers (any color): These are the edible vessels and provide natural sweetness. Choose firm peppers that can stand upright.
Ground Beef (or turkey): The hearty protein that forms the bulk of the stuffing. Can be swapped for lentils or a plant-based option.
Cooked Rice: Adds body and helps absorb the juices and seasoning for a satisfying bite.

Onion: Gives the filling a mild sweetness and deeper flavor.
Garlic: A must-have for savory depth and aroma.
Tomato Sauce: Binds everything together and adds a tangy, rich base to the filling.

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a subtle complexity.
Italian Seasoning: Delivers a fragrant blend of herbs that ties the filling together.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the filling.

Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella): Melted on top for that irresistible golden finish.

How To Make the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 1: Prep the Bell Peppers

Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Rinse them and pat dry. Set them upright in a greased baking dish.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with rice, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated and combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the filling into each pepper, pressing gently to pack it in. Top with shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving and Storing Tips for Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are best served hot and fresh from the oven with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions. They pair well with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or even mashed potatoes if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

For leftovers, allow the peppers to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave on medium heat until warm, or pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. You can also freeze them individually by wrapping each one in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer-safe bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the peppers from getting soggy?

Bake them uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes to allow moisture to evaporate and the tops to get golden and bubbly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and stuff the peppers, then refrigerate them unbaked. Just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.

What can I use instead of rice?

Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or cooked farro are great substitutes that hold up well and offer different textures.

Are these gluten-free?

They can be! Just make sure your Worcestershire sauce and any seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the meat with lentils, black beans, or a meatless crumble for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I know when the peppers are fully cooked?

They should be fork-tender but still hold their shape. The cheese on top should be fully melted and slightly golden.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Comfort Twist?

If you loved these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, you’ll want to check out these hearty, crowd-pleasing recipes too:

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a creamy, oven-baked pasta dish.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole that blends cheesy richness with classic flavor.
Taco Ranch Bites—mini, zesty bites perfect for game day.

Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes that are fun for kids and adults alike.
Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a bold, restaurant-style dinner at home.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with turkey or ground sausage? Did you go all-in with extra cheese?

I love hearing how you put your own spin on these recipes. And if you have questions, ask away—we’re all about cooking smarter together!

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Stuffed with savory ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and topped with melty cheese, these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a hearty dinner that’s easy to prepare and bursting with comfort. They’re perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or meal prep!