If you’re searching for a dish that combines comfort, nutrition, and vibrant flavors, this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is exactly what you need tonight. Stuffed Bell Peppers bring a colorful plate full of goodness featuring tender peppers packed with a savory blend of meat, rice, and seasonings. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is straightforward and delivers big on taste every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and simple preparation: Takes under an hour from start to finish so you’re eating sooner.
Bright and hearty flavors: Sweet bell peppers pair perfectly with savory, juicy fillings.
Customizable to your needs: Easily adapt with veggies, proteins, or spices you prefer.
Nutritiously balanced: Combines protein, vegetables, and grains in one satisfying dish.
Great for leftovers: Keeps well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this stuffed bell peppers recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding texture, boosting flavor, or making the dish visually appealing. Here’s what makes this meal shine in your kitchen.

Bell peppers: Choose vibrant red, yellow, or green peppers for a colorful and crisp base.
Ground beef or turkey: Provides savory richness and satisfies hunger perfectly.
Cooked rice: Adds a soft, hearty filler that complements the meat’s texture.
Onion and garlic: Infuse deep aromatic layers essential for great flavor.
Diced tomatoes: Bring juiciness and a slight tang to balance the richness.
Shredded cheese: Melted on top to add gooey, savory goodness.
Olive oil: Helps sauté and bring all flavors together smoothly.
Seasonings: Use salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for a warm, inviting taste.

Variations for Stuffed Bell Peppers

This easy stuffed bell peppers dish is a perfect canvas for creativity. Feel free to tweak ingredients to cater to your preferences, dietary restrictions, or what’s available in your pantry.

Vegetarian option: Swap meat for black beans or lentils for a plant-based twist full of protein.
Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a lively heat.
Different grains: Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to boost nutrition.
Cheesy variations: Use feta, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
Additional veggies: Toss in corn, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase texture and vitamins.

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe to Try Tonight

How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes carefully. Rinse to clean and set aside to keep fresh while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, then stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and seasoning. Let it cook down for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Fill each bell pepper generously with the meat and rice mixture, pressing lightly so the filling is compact but not overflowing. Place them upright in a baking dish ready for the oven.

Step 4: Bake with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the stuffed peppers and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving — this helps the filling settle and enhances every bite.

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Bell Peppers

Pick firm peppers: Choose fresh, firm bell peppers for a sturdy vessel that holds filling well.
Don’t overfill: Leave a little space at the top to prevent overflow while baking.
Pre-cook rice: Use fully cooked rice so it’s soft and blends well in the filling.
Cover while baking: Use foil during the first 20 minutes to keep peppers moist, then uncover for cheese browning.
Let peppers rest: Resting a few minutes post-baking helps flavors intensify and makes handling easier.

How to Serve Stuffed Bell Peppers

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a vibrant, fresh pop on top. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime can also brighten up each serving deliciously.

Side Dishes

Serve these with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. Crusty bread or garlic bread is also wonderful to soak up any extra juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, hollow out mini bell peppers for bite-sized appetizers. Or arrange stuffed peppers on a colorful platter surrounded by fresh veggies for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator; they stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making for an easy next-day meal.

Freezing

Stuffed bell peppers freeze beautifully — wrap them individually with plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave them covered for 2 to 3 minutes to maintain moisture and texture.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even plant-based meat alternatives work perfectly in this stuffed bell peppers recipe.

Do I need to blanch the peppers before stuffing?

Blanching is optional but it can help make the peppers softer faster. If you prefer a firmer bite, skip blanching and bake the peppers directly.

How do I keep stuffed peppers from being watery?

Make sure to drain excess liquid from diced tomatoes or any added vegetables and don’t overfill peppers to minimize sogginess.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you use gluten-free ingredients for your seasonings and any added sauces, this recipe is safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Replace ground meat with lentils or beans and swap cheese for vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is a delicious, versatile, and wholesome meal that’s perfect for anyone craving a home-cooked dinner with big flavors and simple steps. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a colorful plate full of comfort and satisfaction that your whole family will love!

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Print Recipe

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe featuring vibrant bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings. Quick to prepare and bake, this dish combines bright, hearty flavors and is customizable to your dietary preferences. Perfect as a nutritious, comforting meal that’s great for leftovers and simple enough for cooks of all levels.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 stuffed bell peppers (serves 4) 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian herbs (or mixed dried herbs)

Optional Variations

1 cup black beans or cooked lentils (for vegetarian option)
1–2 jalapeños chopped or ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spicy version)
Substitute cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for the rice
Additional veggies: ½ cup corn, zucchini, or mushrooms, diced
Different cheese like feta, pepper jack, or vegan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove seeds and membranes. Rinse well and set aside to keep fresh while preparing the filling.
Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let it cook down for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing lightly to compact the filling without overflowing. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
Bake with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the stuffed peppers. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally cover the peppers with foil and bake for 20 minutes to keep them moist, then remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and peppers are tender.
Serve Warm: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes after baking to help the filling settle, enhancing the flavor and making them easier to serve.

Notes

Choose firm and fresh bell peppers for a sturdy container that holds the filling well.
Don’t overfill the peppers to avoid overflow during baking.
Use fully cooked rice so it blends well with the filling texture.
Cover peppers with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking to retain moisture, then uncover for browning the cheese.
Resting the baked stuffed peppers a few minutes helps intensify flavors and makes serving easier.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground beef stuffed peppers, baked peppers, easy dinner, gluten free dinner, healthy stuffed peppers, stuffed vegetables