These stuffed peppers with ground beef are the ultimate comfort food. They’re hearty, flavorful, and customizable—making them a family favorite and a go-to for weeknight dinners. With tender bell peppers overflowing with a savory beef and rice mixture, all baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melty cheese, this dish satisfies every craving.

Whether you’re looking for a freezer-friendly meal, a make-ahead dish for entertaining, or just a smart way to stretch ground beef into something delicious and nourishing, these stuffed peppers are the answer. They’re naturally gluten-free and easy to modify based on what you have in the pantry.

What Kind of Bell Peppers Should I Use?

Any color bell pepper works in this recipe, but red, yellow, and orange are sweeter than green, which adds a more robust flavor. For presentation, mix and match colors. Choose large peppers with flat bottoms so they stand well during baking.

Ingredients for the Stuffed Peppers With Ground Beef

6 large bell peppers (any color)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1½ cups cooked white rice
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, divided
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How To Make the Stuffed Peppers With Ground Beef

Step 1: Prep the Peppers

Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottoms to make them sit flat. Blanch the peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent, then add the garlic and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Combine with Rice and Tomatoes

Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, 1 cup of cheese, and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine all the flavors.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff each pepper generously with the beef and rice mixture. Place in a baking dish and pour a bit of extra tomato sauce over each. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pepper, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to Serve and Store Stuffed Peppers With Ground Beef

Serve your stuffed peppers hot out of the oven, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. They pair beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

To store, let leftovers cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze individually for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the peppers from getting soggy?

Blanching them for just a few minutes keeps them tender but not mushy. Don’t overbake once filled.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if cold.

What can I substitute for rice?

Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even couscous work well depending on your preference.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the ground beef for lentils, black beans, or a plant-based crumble.

Do I have to pre-cook the filling?

Yes, cooking the beef and mixing everything before baking helps develop flavor and ensures even cooking.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If these stuffed peppers are your kind of comfort food, you might also love these satisfying dinner recipes:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for an indulgent weeknight win.
Giant Zucchini Parmesan when you need a hearty meatless main.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for cozy nights in.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta that brings big flavor with little effort.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta if you’re craving cheesy, oven-baked bliss.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you always have a flavorful backup plan ready.

And I’d love to see your version! Did you switch up the meat or make it spicier? Drop a comment below and let’s inspire each other. You can also follow along on Pinterest at Nina Dishes for more recipes I share daily.

Stuffed Peppers With Ground Beef

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

These stuffed peppers with ground beef are a hearty, comforting classic. Tender bell peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices, then baked in savory tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. Ideal for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a freezer-friendly meal.

Instructions

1. Slice off tops of bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes. Blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

3. Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, 1 cup cheese, and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill each pepper with beef mixture, place in baking dish, top with extra tomato sauce. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.

5. Remove foil, top with remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.