Description
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers feature colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley. This comforting baked dish makes a perfect family meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 6 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
Pantry Items
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare bell peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottoms so the peppers can stand upright. Place the peppers in the prepared baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Combine filling ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper until they are fully stuffed. Then, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top of each filled pepper.
- Bake covered and uncovered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this hearty and delicious dish!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Use leftover rice to speed up preparation time.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, replace beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Bell peppers can be pre-roasted slightly if you prefer a softer texture.
