Description
Stuffed Bell Peppers are a hearty and flavorful dish filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese, all baked inside tender bell peppers. This comforting meal is easy to customize and perfect for a family dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
For Topping:
- ¼ cup additional tomato sauce
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (for melting)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Peppers:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds/membranes.
- Lightly coat the insides with olive oil and salt.
- Place them in a baking dish, cut-side up.
Cook the Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Stuff and Bake:
- Spoon the meat mixture into each bell pepper, filling to the top.
- Drizzle extra tomato sauce over each stuffed pepper.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Melt the Cheese & Serve:
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Notes
- Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or sausage.
- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, baked peppers, healthy dinner, easy meal