Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
If you’re looking for a vibrant, satisfying crowd-pleaser that feels both homey and a little bit special, look no further than Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers. These colorful beauties are jam-packed with a hearty mixture of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, bright tomatoes, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce, all nestled inside juicy bell peppers. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making this dish a beloved family favorite that’s as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for cozy weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about bringing together a handful of everyday ingredients in a way that makes them shine. Each component plays its own essential role, so let’s break down what you’ll need and why they matter.
- Bell peppers (6 large, any color): These are not just vessels, but the sweet, crisp foundation that brings color and freshness to the entire dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A quick drizzle provides the moisture and richness for sautéing the filling, making everything taste just a bit more luxurious.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Hearty and flavorful, browned beef creates a savory base that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients—feel free to substitute turkey or sausage if you want to mix things up!
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Onion gives sweet depth and a touch of crunch, caramelizing beautifully as it cooks with the beef.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a small amount, but it infuses the filling with that irresistible aroma and flavor we all love.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing every single flavor in the mixture.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A sprinkle of herbs like oregano and basil brings out the comfort-food essence of Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers.
- Cooked white rice (1 1/2 cups): Tender rice acts as the hearty binder in the filling, making it extra satisfying.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, drained): Brightens up the filling with juicy, tangy goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melty, stretchy cheese helps hold everything together and creates that signature gooey top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Savory and nutty, Parmesan adds a layer of flavor that feels fancy without any extra fuss.
- Marinara or tomato sauce (1 cup, plus more for topping): Deliciously coats the filling and keeps the peppers moist as they bake.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkling of fresh, green parsley adds a final burst of color and freshness before serving.
How to Make Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get things nice and hot. Next, slice the tops off your bell peppers and gently remove the seeds and membranes inside—they should look like tidy little cups, just waiting to be filled. Arrange your prepped peppers upright in a lightly oiled baking dish. This not only helps prevent sticking but also ensures your peppers bake up tender and juicy.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef and chopped onion. Sauté everything together, stirring often, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, letting those fragrant flavors come to life for another minute. This is when your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 3: Stir in Rice, Tomatoes, Cheese, and Sauce
Now, turn down the heat and stir in your cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, half the mozzarella, a quarter of the Parmesan, and the marinara sauce. Mix it all together, making sure everything is combined and the cheese has begun to melt into the filling. Give it a quick taste—now’s a great time to adjust the seasoning if you need to.
Step 4: Fill and Top the Peppers
Spoon that savory mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in and mounding it up just a bit above the rims. Divide the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the tops of the stuffed peppers. This will melt and form a golden, bubbly topping that’s almost impossible to resist.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for about 30 minutes, which helps the peppers soften and the cheese get extra melty. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully golden and the peppers are tender but still holding their shape. Take a peek—you’ll know they’re ready when the tops are bubbly and slightly browned.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a dose of color and freshness. Serve them up with a drizzle of extra marinara sauce for that classic, saucy finish.
How to Serve Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers
Garnishes
For those finishing touches, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds instant brightness. You can also add a dusting of extra Parmesan for some salty-sweet crunch or even a few red pepper flakes if you want to spice things up. A little drizzle of olive oil right before serving brings out even more richness in every bite.
Side Dishes
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are hearty enough to shine as the star of the table, but they love some simple company. Try them alongside a crisp green salad tossed with tangy vinaigrette or a hunk of crusty bread perfect for soaking up stray drips of sauce. Roasted broccoli or garlic green beans also make a colorful, fresh pairing that keeps the meal feeling balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress things up, arrange your stuffed peppers on a large platter lined with greens or tuck them inside mini cast-iron skillets for individual servings. You can even use a combination of red, yellow, and green peppers to create a rainbow effect that looks as fun as it tastes. For a family-style gathering, scatter extra basil or parsley over the whole dish and let everyone dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are a lifesaver for quick lunches or weeknight dinners. Simply let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days and are just as tasty after reheating.
Freezing
If you want to get even more mileage from your efforts, these peppers freeze like a dream! Wrap each cooled stuffed pepper tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the stuffed peppers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through. For a quick fix, you can even microwave them (uncovered) on medium power, though the oven method helps preserve that just-baked texture. Add a little extra sauce before reheating if you’d like to keep things moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work beautifully in Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers. Each brings a slightly different flavor and texture, so go with what your family loves most or what you have on hand.
How do I keep the peppers from getting soggy?
The secret to perfectly tender but not mushy peppers is to cover them for the first stage of baking, which steams and softens, then bake uncovered at the end so the cheese topping bubbles and the peppers hold their shape nicely.
Can I make Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground meat for cooked lentils, quinoa, or your favorite plant-based crumbles. Add in some extra sautéed veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for even more flavor and heartiness—it’s easy to adapt Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers for vegetarians.
Should I pre-cook the peppers before stuffing?
No need! The peppers steam and roast as they bake with the filling inside, so they come out perfectly cooked and sturdy enough to serve. If you prefer extra-soft peppers, you can blanch them briefly before stuffing, but it’s not required for this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers are naturally gluten-free as long as your marinara sauce is certified gluten-free. Just double-check any packaged ingredients if you’re sensitive, and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers before, this recipe is your invitation to experience their magic. There’s something genuinely comforting about the blend of melty cheese, savory filling, and sweet peppers—one bite and you’ll be hooked. So grab your peppers and get started; your family and friends will thank you!
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Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers is a delicious and hearty dish that combines colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese, baked to perfection. A comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Bell Peppers:
6 large bell peppers (any color)
Meat Mixture:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce (plus more for topping), chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and place them in a baking dish.
- Cook Meat Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add rice, tomatoes, cheeses, and marinara sauce. Mix well.
- Fill Peppers: Spoon the filling into the peppers, top with cheeses, cover with foil, and bake.
- Bake: Bake covered, then uncover to melt cheese and cook peppers.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra marinara.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
- To make ahead, prepare the filling and stuff the peppers, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
