If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting dinner that looks as good as it tastes, you’re in for a treat with these Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese. Tender bell peppers are loaded up with a hearty mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melty cheese, then baked until everything is perfectly bubbly and irresistible. This dish is the kind of weeknight hero that brings everyone together around the table—and I promise, the cheesy topping is guaranteed to make it a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beautiful part: the ingredients for Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese are simple, everyday staples, but each one plays an important part in creating a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Let’s break down why you’ll love what goes inside!
- Bell Peppers: Choose any color for a rainbow presentation; they become sweet and tender when baked.
- Olive Oil: A quick swipe in the baking dish and skillet keeps everything from sticking and adds a subtle richness.
- Ground Beef or Turkey: This is the backbone of the filling, packing each pepper with satisfying protein.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds aromatic sweetness and melds beautifully with the meat.
- Garlic: A pop of flavor that makes the entire kitchen smell amazing as you sauté.
- Cooked Rice: Rice adds heartiness and just the right amount of bite to every forkful.
- Diced Tomatoes: Drained and juicy, they bring in freshness and keep the filling moist.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs gives the filling a balanced, herby warmth.
- Paprika: For a touch of smokiness and beautiful color.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essentials for seasoning every layer just right.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy, and entirely necessary for maximum cheese pulls.
- Parmesan Cheese: Added depth and a little sharpness that pairs wonderfully with mozzarella.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle just before serving for a finishing touch of freshness and color.
How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Peppers and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off each bell pepper and gently scoop out the seeds and membranes. This helps the peppers cook evenly and makes plenty of room for the savory filling. Stand the empty peppers upright in a lightly oiled baking dish—this keeps them snug and upright while they bake and soak up all those delicious juices.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey along with the chopped onion, cooking until the meat is browned and the onion starts to turn translucent, about 6–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, letting it cook for one more minute—you’ll notice exactly when it’s ready by the mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
To the skillet, add the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the flavors start to meld. Then, fold in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese. The cheese will begin to melt into the filling, helping to bind it together and bringing everything into creamy harmony.
Step 4: Stuff and Top the Peppers
Spoon the cheesy, savory filling into the hollowed bell peppers, packing it in lightly but fully—nobody wants a half-empty pepper! Once they’re all filled and nestled in your baking dish, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously over the tops of the peppers for an extra-cheesy finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and the filling to heat through. Then, uncover the dish and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the tops are golden, gooey, and a bit crispy around the edges. Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic choice for finishing Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese, adding both flavor and visual appeal. You could also try a drizzle of good olive oil, a dusting of extra Parmesan, or even a few red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat—let your tastebuds be your guide! Each garnish highlights the vibrant colors and brings even more flavor to every bite.
Side Dishes
These peppers are essentially a meal on their own, but you can make them shine even more alongside a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, try pairing these with a comforting soup or even a platter of grilled corn on the cob. The beauty of Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese is their versatility—they play well with just about everything!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on presentation, use a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for an eye-catching, edible rainbow. You can also halve the peppers lengthwise and arrange them in a casserole for an easier-to-share, family-style offering. If you’re looking to impress, serve each stuffed pepper in individual mini cast iron skillets for a bistro-style touch at the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese, don’t panic! Simply allow them to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making them a perfect candidate for meal prepping or next-day lunches.
Freezing
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese freeze really well—just let them cool completely, then wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual peppers on medium power until steamy, but the oven keeps the cheese melty and the peppers firm, just the way they should be.
FAQs
Can I make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for cooked quinoa, lentils, or black beans. They add plenty of protein and make the filling just as hearty and satisfying, all while keeping the cheese front and center.
What peppers work best for Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese?
Any large, firm bell peppers will do—red, yellow, orange, or green. Red and yellow are sweeter, while green peppers give a little more bite. Mixing colors makes your finished dish look extra special!
Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely! Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you could mix in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone for different flavors. Just be sure to keep the cheese creamy and not too salty so it blends well with the other ingredients.
How do I make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese gluten-free?
Good news—all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free! Just double check that your rice and spices haven’t been cross-contaminated, and you’re set for a delicious, safe meal.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed peppers a day in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them. This makes them a fantastic choice for entertaining or prepping ahead for a busy weeknight.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese are one of those foolproof, crowd-pleasing classics that everyone needs in their rotation. With their hearty filling and bubbling cheese, they deliver comfort in every bite. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or get creative with your own additions, I hope you’ll enjoy every morsel—and maybe even make them your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese are a delicious and satisfying main course. Colorful bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef (or turkey), rice, tomatoes, and spices, then topped with a generous amount of melted cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Bell Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers, any color
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly oil a baking dish and arrange peppers upright.
- Cook filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Fill peppers: Spoon the filling evenly into the peppers, packing lightly. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the tops.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa for rice or add black beans for extra protein.
- Use a mix of colorful peppers for a beautiful presentation.
- These peppers can be prepped ahead and baked when ready to serve.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *