Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are a colorful, hearty, and incredibly satisfying main dish that the whole family will love. Vibrant bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, juicy tomatoes, and topped with golden melted cheese. Baked to perfection in the oven, this easy stuffed bell peppers recipe is a complete meal in one dish that looks as impressive as it tastes.

⏱Prep Time

15 minutes

⏱Cook Time

30 minutes

⏱Total Time

45 minutes

🥘 Servings

2 Serving

Ingredients

  • 4 medium bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 250g ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

🍽 Serving Suggestion

Serve the stuffed bell peppers hot straight from the oven. They pair beautifully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a light tomato soup for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutrition (Approximate)

Calories: 520 kcal        Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g        Fat: 22 g

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  6. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  7. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce and simmer for 3 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice until fully combined.
  9. Place the bell peppers upright in a baking dish and fill each one generously with the beef and rice mixture.
  10. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
  11. Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

⭐ Tips

  • Use mixed color peppers for a vibrant and beautiful presentation
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version
  • Add black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and flavor
  • Cover the baking dish with foil for the first 20 minutes to keep the peppers moist