If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, wholesome, and totally satisfying dinner that’s also colorful and customizable, Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are your answer. These vibrant veggies are packed with a flavorful mix of protein, rice, veggies, and spices—then baked until tender and melty with cheese. It’s a one-dish meal that checks all the boxes: comforting, nutritious, and bursting with flavor.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, this classic recipe is endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re going traditional with ground beef and rice or keeping things lean with turkey or vegetarian, there’s a stuffed pepper combo for every taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and satisfying – wholesome ingredients with big flavor
- One-pan meal – less mess, more flavor
- Kid-friendly – colorful and cheesy, a dinner winner
- Perfect for leftovers – reheats beautifully
- Naturally gluten-free – and easy to make low-carb
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Peppers:
- 4–6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), tops removed, seeds cleaned out
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or plant-based alternative)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or marinara
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, divided
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
✅ 1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set them upright in a baking dish.
✅ 2. Cook the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add ground meat, breaking it up as it browns.
- Stir in cooked rice, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until well combined. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.
✅ 3. Stuff the Peppers
- Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, pressing down gently to pack.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
✅ 4. Bake to Perfection
- Add a splash of water or broth to the bottom of the baking dish (about 1/4 cup) to help steam the peppers.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
✅ 5. Garnish and Serve
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Top with chopped parsley or fresh basil for a pop of color.
Variations and Tips
- Low-carb option – Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian version – Use black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
- Spicy twist – Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Make-ahead – Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What to Serve With Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Side salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted or steamed vegetables
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- Mashed potatoes or couscous
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freeze individual peppers for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat as needed.
Classic Comfort, Made Easy
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a beloved staple for a reason. They’re a complete meal in one tidy package—warm, filling, and full of flavor. Plus, with their customizable fillings and kid-approved taste, they’re a weeknight dinner hero you’ll return to again and again.
Whether you’re going traditional or putting your own spin on it, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
