Name: Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil); 1 Medium Onion (diced); 2-3 Garlic Cloves (minced); 1 pound Lean Ground Beef; 1½ Cup Cooked Brown Rice; 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (one can); 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste; 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano; 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika; Kosher salt and pepper (to taste); 7 Large Bell Peppers (top and core removed); 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese; freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are the kind of hearty, colorful comfort food that always earns smiles at the dinner table. Imagine juicy bell peppers, packed with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, brown rice, and melted cheese, all baked until perfectly tender and irresistibly aromatic. This classic dish is a crowd-pleaser not just for its cozy taste, but for its simplicity—real, wholesome ingredients layered together in every bite. Whether you’re new to stuffed peppers or a longtime fan, this version promises a winning combination of flavor, nutrition, and home-cooked warmth.

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers lies in how each ingredient shines: nothing fussy, just essentials that work together for maximum flavor and color. Every single item here brings something special, from rich protein to a subtle smoky note. Here’s what you’ll need:

Extra-virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle, fruity richness to the filling.
Onion: Diced onion forms the aromatic base, offering gentle sweetness and texture.
Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic infuses a deep, savory note that ties the filling together.
Lean Ground Beef: A classic choice for stuffed peppers, providing hearty flavor and satisfying protein.
Cooked Brown Rice: Adds wholesome bulk and a nutty, earthy taste to the mixture.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes bring a juicy, tangy brightness, marrying all the savory components.
Tomato Paste: For extra depth and concentrated tomato flavor in every bite.
Dried Oregano: This dried herb lifts the filling, giving it a fragrant Mediterranean twist.
Smoked Paprika: Add a gentle smokiness; it’s the secret spice that’ll have dinner guests asking, “What’s that delicious flavor?”
Kosher Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for bringing all the flavors to life.
Large Bell Peppers: Use a rainbow of colors for visual appeal, or stick to your favorite variety.
Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey, golden crown.
Freshly Chopped Parsley: A crisp, green garnish makes each pepper pop and adds a fresh finish.

How to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 1: Prep the Peppers and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 F. While it heats up, slice the tops off your bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and cores. Arrange them, cut side up, in a baking dish or on a rimmed tray. This not only gets the peppers ready to be filled, but ensures they’ll bake evenly and stay upright for easy stuffing.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until softened—your kitchen will start to smell amazing already. Add the minced garlic next, letting it cook just until fragrant, about a minute, to deepen the savory base without burning.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the lean ground beef to your skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until there’s no more pink, around 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the rich, meaty backbone of your stuffed peppers, ensuring every bite is hearty and flavorful.

Step 4: Bring The Filling Together

Now, stir in your cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes (juice and all), tomato paste, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Let everything simmer together for 4 to 5 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce and meld those incredible flavors. Taste, then season generously with kosher salt and pepper, adjusting to your liking.

Step 5: Stuff and Bake

Using a spoon, gently fill each prepared pepper to the brim with the savory beef and rice mixture. Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. This par-bakes the peppers, softening them just enough without losing their vibrant color and shape.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Sprinkle shredded Cheddar Jack cheese evenly over each pepper—this is where that glorious, melty “wow” factor really happens. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Pull them out, shower with fresh parsley, and let everyone admire your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers masterpiece!

How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Garnishes

The finishing touch for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers is that brilliant sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it introduces a fresh, herby aroma that balances the rich flavors. For even more pizzazz, offer extra cracked black pepper or a pinch of red chili flakes at the table.

Side Dishes

These peppers are practically a meal on their own, but a simple green salad or some crusty bread makes the perfect companion. A bowl of garlicky green beans or a cool tzatziki dip on the side can turn this dinner into a true Mediterranean feast, keeping things balanced and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers sliced in half for party appetizers or pack leftovers into lunchboxes for a bold midday pick-me-up. Hosting guests? Try arranging peppers of different colors in a big baking dish for a rainbow effect that’ll wow your friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers cool to room temperature first. Transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge—they’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Their flavors actually develop overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are freezer-friendly! To freeze, place cooked, cooled peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then move to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a comforting meal in a flash.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm them in a covered baking dish at 350 F until heated through, about 20 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover and heat in short bursts for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles all work beautifully in Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers. Just adjust the seasoning to taste, since leaner meats might need a splash more olive oil or spices.

How do I make them vegetarian?

Skip the ground beef and double up on sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or black beans. You’ll get that hearty texture and all the flavor, no meat required! The rest of the recipe remains just as easy and delicious.

Do I need to pre-cook the bell peppers?

Nope! Baking them stuffed lets the peppers become perfectly tender while still holding their shape. If you like a super-soft pepper, you can pre-bake the empty shells for 5-10 minutes before stuffing.

Can I use white rice or quinoa instead of brown rice?

Definitely. Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are versatile like that—almost any cooked grain or grain substitute will work. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding to the filling, so everything heats through evenly.

What’s the best way to keep peppers from falling over when baking?

If any peppers wobble, slice a very thin layer off the bottom to flatten them. You can also nestle them closely together in the baking dish, so they prop each other up and stay snug as they cook.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, they just might become your go-to recipe for family dinners, meal prepping, or friendly potlucks. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and that unbeatable baked cheese topping—what’s not to love? Give them a spot in your rotation, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving stuffed peppers all year long!

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 7 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These easy stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and flavorful seasonings, topped with melted cheese for the perfect finishing touch.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the bell peppers cut side up in a baking dish.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pan, sauté diced onion in olive oil until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cook Beef Mixture: Add ground beef to the pan and cook until no longer pink. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook until slightly reduced.
Season and Fill Peppers: Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then stuff each pepper with the beef mixture.
Bake Peppers: Bake stuffed peppers until mostly tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Add Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over each pepper and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.