If you’re searching for a meal that lands somewhere between comforting family favorite and a weeknight showstopper, Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers is the answer. Plump, colorful bell peppers are loaded with a savory mixture of beef, rice, tomatoes, and plenty of gooey cheese, making every forkful a delicious blend of textures and flavors. Whether you want to make dinner feel nostalgic or need something that wows at your next gathering, Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers always deliver both taste and heart-warming satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are simple, straightforward, and absolutely essential for achieving that perfect combination of savoriness and vibrant color. Each component brings something special, whether it’s a pop of flavor, a creamy touch, or just the right amount of heartiness to make this meal truly memorable.
- Bell Peppers (4 large, any color): Choose a variety of colors for a vibrant dish and a hint of natural sweetness in every bite.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Provides the hearty, savory base for the filling; substitute with turkey or sausage for a twist.
- Cooked White Rice (1 cup): Lightly fluffs up the filling and absorbs all those savory juices for the perfect texture.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds aromatic depth and a subtly sweet undertone to the filling.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Sautéed garlic makes the entire dish fragrant and irresistible.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz, drained): Juicy tomatoes keep the stuffing moist and tangy while boosting color.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, divided): Gooey, melty cheese both in and on top makes every bite extra satisfying.
- Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor and brings the filling together with a rich texture.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Offers a balanced blend of herbs for classic comfort food vibes.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle kick to round out the savory profile.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Lightly cooks the veggies and adds richness to the peppers’ exterior.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds fresh brightness and a final flourish at serving time.
How to Make Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off each bell pepper and carefully pull out the seeds and inner membranes. Give the outsides a gentle brush with olive oil; this not only helps the peppers roast up beautifully but adds a subtle richness later. Arrange them upright in a baking dish, ready to be filled.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Once it shimmers, add in the finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about three minutes until the onion turns soft and the garlic smells tantalizingly fragrant. This first step truly sets the tone for the Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers’ flavor profile.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add your ground beef to the pan with the sautéed veggies and break it apart with your spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, making sure to stir frequently. Once it’s cooked, drain away any excess fat for a cleaner, lighter filling.
Step 4: Make the Stuffing
Now comes the fun! Stir in the cooked white rice, drained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, half the cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until combined thoroughly and heated through—at this point, you’ll see the colors pop and the filling take on a mouthwatering aroma.
Step 5: Stuff and Top
Spoon the savory beef and rice mixture into the prepared peppers, making sure to really pack it in until each pepper is brimming. Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining cheese, so you’re guaranteed that classic melty cheese crown with every serving.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the oven for 30 minutes. When time’s up, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. The goal is for the cheese to become bubbly and golden and the peppers to be perfectly tender yet still hold their shape.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, scatter some chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Your Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are now absolutely irresistible and table-ready!
How to Serve Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers, you can never go wrong with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for a herbaceous punch. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or even a squeeze of lemon can add freshness and enhance the layers of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a touch of grated Parmesan or a few chili flakes brings extra flair and a little kick.
Side Dishes
Serve your Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette or a pile of roasted vegetables to keep things colorful and balanced. Crusty bread is always welcome for soaking up the savory juices in the pan, while fluffy mashed potatoes can make the meal even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, arrange the peppers by color on a platter and let everyone pick their favorite. Try baking them in individual ramekins for a more elegant plated dinner. Or slice each pepper in half lengthwise for easy serving at potlucks and buffets—everyone gets to see that glorious, melty filling!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers, simply let them cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and rest easy knowing you have a delicious lunch or quick dinner waiting in the wings.
Freezing
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers freeze beautifully! Make sure they’ve cooled completely first, then wrap each pepper individually in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, making them a meal-prep dream.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish (uncover if frozen, or cover if from the fridge) and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, around 20–25 minutes. You can also microwave them for a quick fix—just cover and heat in 2-minute increments so the filling stays moist and the cheese doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a meatless crumble, and keep the rest of the ingredients the same. Your peppers will still be hearty and packed with great flavor.
What’s the best way to cook the rice for the filling?
For the best texture, use rice that’s been cooked and cooled—leftover rice works wonderfully. This prevents the filling from getting too mushy and helps each grain stay fluffy inside the peppers.
Do I need to pre-cook the peppers before stuffing them?
Nope, it’s not required! The peppers will soften up perfectly as they bake with the filling inside. If you like your peppers extra tender, you can parboil them for 3–4 minutes before stuffing.
How can I make Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers spicier?
Add a few pinches of red pepper flakes to the filling or use a spicy cheese blend like pepper jack. For an even bigger kick, stir in some diced jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Are Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe uses rice as the filler and all gluten-free, whole ingredients—making it perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your spices and cheese if you’re extra cautious about cross-contamination.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so inviting about digging into a tray of Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers—cheesy, savory, and impossibly colorful, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or reheated for a cozy lunch, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. I hope you’ll give Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers a spot at your table soon and enjoy all the comfort and fun they bring!
Print
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers is a comforting and satisfying dish that features bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese, baked to perfection. This recipe is a timeless favorite that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Bell Peppers:
Ground Beef Mixture:
Garnish:
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and brush with olive oil. Place in a baking dish.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Sauté onion and garlic, then brown ground beef. Add rice, tomatoes, cheese, tomato paste, seasonings. Mix well.
- Fill Peppers: Spoon filling into peppers, top with cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef, or use quinoa instead of rice for a lower-carb option.
- These peppers freeze well—just cool completely before freezing.
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