Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers

Name: Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 6 large bell peppers (Mixed colors preferred); 1 tablespoon olive oil (For brushing peppers); 1/2 teaspoon salt (For seasoning peppers); 1 pound ground beef (85/15 blend); 1 cup cooked white rice (Day-old works best); 1 medium onion (Finely diced); 2 cloves garlic (Minced); 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, drained); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Divided); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Dried herbs); 1/2 teaspoon salt (For filling); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (For filling); 1/2 cup beef broth (For baking dish)

The magic of transforming humble bell peppers into elegant, satisfying vessels lies in understanding how proper preparation creates the perfect balance between tender pepper walls and flavorful, well-seasoned filling. After mastering countless variations and studying traditional techniques from Mediterranean to American kitchens, I've perfected these stuffed bell peppers that deliver restaurant-quality presentation with comforting home-cooked flavors that appeal to every member of the family. This recipe proves that the most memorable dinners come from taking simple, wholesome ingredients and treating them with care and creativity.

Classic stuffed bell peppers with seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese that create complete family meals. This comfort food recipe feeds 6 people for under $10 and tastes like grandma's home cooking.

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Classic stuffed bell peppers with melted cheese tops and beef rice filling in baking dish.

What is Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are hollowed-out bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and seasonings, then baked until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly. This classic comfort food dish transforms ordinary bell peppers into edible bowls that hold hearty, flavorful fillings while becoming tender and sweet during the cooking process. The result is a complete meal in one beautiful, nutritious package that's both visually appealing and deeply satisfying.

How To Make Stuffed Bell Peppers

What Makes Our Version Special

Our classic stuffed bell peppers use a perfectly balanced filling that combines seasoned ground beef with fluffy rice, aromatic vegetables, and just enough cheese to create richness without overwhelming the pepper's natural sweetness. The secret is partially cooking the peppers first to ensure tender walls while maintaining enough structure to hold the filling, then finishing with a cheese topping that creates a golden, bubbly crown. This technique ensures every component cooks to perfection.

Stuffed Bell Peppers Ingredients

For the Bell Peppers:

6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

1 pound ground beef (85/15 blend)
1 cup cooked white rice
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly:

½ cup beef broth
½ cup reserved shredded cheese for topping

Fresh ingredients for classic stuffed bell peppers including colorful peppers and ground beef.

Hannah's Step by Step Method

Prepare Perfect Pepper Vessels

Cut tops off peppers and remove all seeds and membranes carefully
Trim small slice from bottom if needed for peppers to stand upright
Brush pepper exteriors with olive oil and season with salt
This preparation ensures even cooking and beautiful presentation

Create Flavorful Beef Filling

Brown ground beef in large skillet, breaking into small pieces
Add diced onion and cook until softened and beef is fully cooked
Stir in garlic, drained tomatoes, and seasonings
Mix in cooked rice and half the cheese for rich, cohesive filling

Stuff and Arrange for Baking

Spoon filling generously into prepared pepper shells
Pack filling gently but don't overstuff to prevent splitting
Arrange stuffed peppers in baking dish with beef broth in bottom
Cover tightly with foil to create steam for tender peppers

Bake to Tender Perfection

Bake covered at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until peppers are tender
Remove foil and top each pepper with remaining cheese
Bake uncovered 10-15 minutes more until cheese melts and bubbles
Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture

What Pairs Well With Stuffed Bell Peppers?

These hearty stuffed bell peppers pair beautifully with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete comfort food dinner. Try them alongside mashed potatoes or rice pilaf for extra carbohydrates, or keep it light with a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. For special occasions, serve with crusty sourdough bread and a glass of red wine for an elegant presentation.

Stuffed Bell Peppers Variations

Vegetarian Delight:

Replace ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts
Add extra vegetables like zucchini and carrots
Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth
Plant-based but equally satisfying

Mexican-Inspired:

Use ground turkey with taco seasoning
Add black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese
Top with fresh cilantro and serve with salsa
Southwestern flavors with familiar technique

Mediterranean Style:

Fill with ground lamb, quinoa, and feta cheese
Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs
Drizzle with olive oil before serving
European flair with healthy grains

Low-Carb Version:

Replace rice with cauliflower rice
Use ground turkey for leaner protein
Add extra cheese for richness and satisfaction
Keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor

Equipment Needed

Sharp knife for pepper preparation
Large skillet for filling
9x13 inch baking dish
Aluminum foil for covering

Storage Tips

Best Fresh

Serve hot from the oven for the best contrast between tender peppers and bubbling cheese topping. Fresh stuffed peppers have the most appealing texture.

Leftover Storage

Store cooked peppers in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Freezer Method

Assemble unbaked stuffed peppers and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15-20 extra minutes to cooking time.

Top Tips for Best Stuffed Bell Peppers

Choose peppers that stand upright without wobbling for even cooking
Don't skip the pre-oiling step; it helps peppers cook evenly and look beautiful
Drain diced tomatoes well to prevent watery filling
Use day-old rice for best texture; fresh rice can become mushy
Add broth to baking dish to create steam for tender pepper walls
Let rest after baking so filling sets and doesn't spill when cut

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you stuff bell peppers with?

Bell peppers can be stuffed with countless combinations including ground meats, rice, quinoa, vegetables, beans, cheese, and seasonings; the possibilities are endless!

Should I cook my bell peppers before stuffing them?

Lightly pre-cooking or blanching peppers helps ensure tender walls, but our method cooks them perfectly during baking with the steam from broth.

What temperature do you cook stuffed bell peppers?

The ideal temperature is 375°F, which cooks the peppers tender without overcooking the filling or drying out the tops.

How to make easy stuffed pepper?

Use pre-cooked rice, simple seasonings, and one type of cheese. The key is good prep work and not overcomplicating the filling ingredients.

Classic Comfort Made Simple

Now you have the secrets to creating these incredible stuffed bell peppers that bring timeless comfort food elegance to your family dinner table. This recipe proves that the most satisfying meals combine beautiful presentation with soul-warming flavors that everyone can enjoy.

Ready for more comfort food classics? Try our Stuffed Chicken Breast for elegant protein-packed dinners, or explore our Chicken With Peppers And Onions for skillet comfort cooking. For traditional stuffed techniques, our Golumpki; Tender Cabbage Rolls uses similar filling methods with European heritage results.

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