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Stuffed Bell Peppers

Delicious bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, topped with melted cheese.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or brown rice, cooled
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, drained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
For the Peppers
  • 4 large bell peppers any color, tops cut off and seeds removed
For Topping
  • ½ cup shredded cheese for topping
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish

Method
 

Prepare the Peppers
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the peppers cook evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
  2. Wash the bell peppers under cold water. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes carefully. This creates a cavity for the filling.
Cook the Filling
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds flavor and texture to the filling.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. This enhances the flavor of the filling.
  3. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
Stuff the Peppers
  1. Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper, packing it tightly. This ensures each bite is flavorful.
  2. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If needed, you can use crumpled aluminum foil to help them stand.
Bake the Peppers
  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This steams the peppers, making them tender.
  2. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top of each pepper, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
  1. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 150mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as black beans, corn, or different spices. You can also use quinoa instead of rice for a healthier option.

Tried this recipe?

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