Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

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Beef stuffed bell peppers are a comforting, hearty meal that combines seasoned ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, all baked inside tender bell peppers.

This recipe is easy to prepare, filling, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Using simple pantry ingredients and fresh bell peppers, this dish delivers rich flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to follow and beginner-friendly

Uses simple, everyday ingredients

Hearty, filling, and family-friendly

Perfect for make-ahead meals

Great balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs

Ingredients

For the filling

• 4–6 large green bell peppers

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup cooked white rice

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

For topping

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)

How to Prepare the Bell Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Wash the bell peppers thoroughly.

Cut off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes inside.

Lightly oil a baking dish and place the hollowed peppers upright inside.

How to Make the Beef Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped bell pepper pieces (from the tops, if desired) and sauté briefly.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well.

Add the cooked rice and mix until evenly combined.

Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese and remove from heat.

Stuffing the Peppers

Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper.

Fill generously but do not overpack.

Place the stuffed peppers back into the baking dish.

Top each pepper with extra shredded mozzarella cheese.

Baking Instructions

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil.

Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.

Remove foil and switch to broil.

Broil for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread

Pair with roasted vegetables for a complete meal

Enjoy as-is for a satisfying, one-dish dinner

Storage and Reheating

To store:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.

Helpful Tips

• Use green bell peppers for a classic flavor, or mix in red or yellow peppers for sweetness

• Drain excess grease from the beef if needed

• Add Italian seasoning or paprika for extra flavor

• Do not overbake, or the peppers may become too soft

Read more: Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the peppers, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mozzarella blend work well.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, fully cooked brown rice can be used with no changes.

Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?
Yes. Freeze before baking for best texture. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

A classic, comforting dinner made with seasoned ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella, all baked inside tender bell peppers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Stuffed Peppers

• 4 –6 large green bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
2. Prepare the peppers by cutting off the tops and removing seeds and membranes. Place peppers upright in the baking dish.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
6. Stir in tomato sauce and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
7. Add cooked rice and mix until well combined.
8. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese, then remove from heat.
9. Fill each bell pepper generously with the beef mixture.
10. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
11. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
12. Remove foil and broil for 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• You can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
• Drain excess grease from the beef if needed.
• Add Italian seasoning or paprika for extra depth of flavor.