Description
These easy stuffed bell peppers are a comforting and colorful dinner made with seasoned ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty one-dish meal offers delicious flavor, customizable fillings, and make-ahead convenience for any household.
Ingredients
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6 large bell peppers (any color, tops cut off and seeds removed)
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1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
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1 cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
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1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes. Optionally, pre-bake the peppers for 10 minutes to soften.
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In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
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Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Fill each pepper with the mixture and place upright in a baking dish.
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Pour a little extra tomato sauce around the peppers for moisture.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or cauliflower rice.
Pre-cooking the peppers prevents a crunchy texture.
These peppers freeze and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep.
You can mix in beans, quinoa, or extra vegetables for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg