Stuffed Pepper Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about pulling a tray of hot, cheesy stuffed peppers out of the oven — the vibrant colors, the savory aroma, and the promise of a hearty, satisfying meal. This Stuffed Pepper Recipe delivers everything you want in a cozy dinner: tender roasted peppers, a flavorful beef and rice filling, rich tomato notes, and a golden layer of melted cheese. Simple to prepare yet impressive to serve, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep — and once you try it, it will quickly become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Stuffed Pepper Recipe is the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Each pepper is generously filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, then baked until perfectly tender and topped with bubbly melted cheese.

You’ll love how easy and reliable this recipe is. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, it’s ideal for both beginner cooks and experienced home chefs. The filling is flavorful, hearty, and satisfying, while the peppers add natural sweetness and texture that elevate the entire dish.

This recipe is also extremely versatile. You can easily customize the filling with different proteins, grains, or vegetables, making it perfect for picky eaters or special dietary needs. Plus, these stuffed peppers reheat beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep and leftovers.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy family meal, this Stuffed Pepper Recipe guarantees delicious results every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Stuffed Pepper Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Each ingredient plays an important role in building the perfect balance of texture and taste.

For the Stuffed Peppers

• 6 bell peppers – any color works, but a mix adds beautiful presentation
• 1 small yellow onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing and rich flavor
• 1 pound lean ground beef – hearty, protein-packed filling
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic – boosts aroma and flavor
• 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes – adds moisture and savory richness
• 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice – makes the filling tender and fluffy
• ½–1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – optional for gentle heat
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese – savory depth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – gooey, golden topping

Stuffed Pepper Recipe

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Our stuffed peppers are loaded with savory seasoned beef, melty cheese, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice, then baked until perfectly tender and golden.

• Author: Zayn
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr
• Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 bell peppers
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 cup long grain white rice cooked
• ½ – 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the bell peppers and pat them dry.
2. Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside while you work on the remaining steps.
3. Carefully slice the tops off the bell peppers. Remove and discard the stems, but keep the surrounding pepper flesh and dice it finely. Remove the seeds and membranes from inside each pepper. Arrange the hollowed peppers upright in a 9×9-inch baking dish. If any peppers wobble, trim a thin slice from the bottom so they sit flat.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and chopped pepper tops. Cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent.
5. Add the ground beef and minced garlic. Continue cooking, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Remove from heat and drain excess fat, then return the mixture to the pan.
6. Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cooked rice. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix well, reduce the heat to low, and let the filling simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
7. Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each pepper. Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of grated Parmesan over the filling in each pepper, followed by roughly 1½ tablespoons of shredded mozzarella, just enough to lightly blanket the top while still letting some of the filling show through.
8. Pour ½ cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to create steam. Lightly coat a sheet of foil with cooking spray and cover the dish, sprayed side down, to prevent sticking. Bake for 35 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and return the peppers to the oven for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Serve hot.

How to Make Stuffed Peppers

This Stuffed Pepper Recipe is simple to prepare and delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Just follow these easy steps for perfect results every time.

Step 1: Prep the Peppers & Rice

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the bell peppers. Carefully cut off the tops, remove the seeds and membranes, and dice the usable pepper tops. Cook the rice according to package directions and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Filling Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and pepper tops. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and garlic, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Cook until the beef is fully browned, then drain excess fat.

Step 3: Build the Filling

Return the skillet to medium heat. Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until well combined and flavorful. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Stuff & Bake

Arrange the hollowed peppers upright in a baking dish. Fill evenly with the beef and rice mixture. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the filling, followed by mozzarella. Pour ½ cup water into the bottom of the pan, cover loosely with foil sprayed with cooking spray, and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Tips to Succeed with This Stuffed Pepper Recipe

Follow these simple tips to make sure your Stuffed Pepper Recipe turns out perfectly flavorful, tender, and beautifully baked every time.

1. Choose Firm, Even-Sized Peppers

Select bell peppers that can stand upright and are similar in size. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation for your Stuffed Pepper Recipe.

2. Pre-Cook the Filling

Cooking the beef mixture before stuffing prevents excess moisture and ensures the filling is fully seasoned and rich in flavor.

3. Don’t Overstuff

Fill the peppers generously but avoid packing them too tightly. This allows heat to circulate and helps the peppers cook evenly.

4. Add Water for Steam

Pouring water into the baking dish creates steam, helping the peppers soften perfectly while keeping the filling moist.

5. Let Them Rest Before Serving

Allow the stuffed peppers to rest for 5 minutes after baking so the juices settle and flavors fully develop.

Conclusion

This Stuffed Pepper Recipe is a true classic that delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one dish. With tender roasted peppers, a hearty beef and rice filling, and a golden layer of melted cheese, it’s a meal that satisfies every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or hosting guests, this recipe guarantees delicious and reliable results.

Easy to customize, simple to prepare, and perfect for leftovers, this Stuffed Pepper Recipe deserves a permanent place in your weekly dinner rotation. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of those trusted recipes you come back to again and again.

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FAQ – Stuffed Pepper Recipe