Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s comforting, wholesome, and incredibly easy to make, this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is exactly what you need. Stuffed bell peppers have been a classic family favorite for generations, and for good reason. They’re colorful, filling, customizable, and perfect for using simple pantry ingredients to create a complete meal in one dish.

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe combines tender bell peppers with a savory filling of ground beef, fluffy brown rice, tomatoes, warm spices, and melted cheese. Everything bakes together beautifully, creating a meal that feels hearty and satisfying without being overly complicated or time-consuming. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual family gatherings.

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily swap the protein, change the grains, adjust the spices, or even make it vegetarian. Whether you’re feeding a large family, cooking ahead for the week, or just trying to get a balanced meal on the table fast, this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe checks all the boxes.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know—from ingredient choices and step-by-step instructions to variations, storage tips, nutrition information, and expert cooking advice. By the end, you’ll have a go-to stuffed peppers recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

There are countless reasons why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

• Quick and easy: Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish.

• One-pan friendly: Minimal cleanup and simple steps.

• Balanced meal: Protein, vegetables, and grains all in one dish.

• Family-friendly: Mild, comforting flavors everyone enjoys.

• Customizable: Works with beef, turkey, chicken, vegetarian, or low-carb options.

• Perfect for meal prep: Stores and reheats beautifully.

• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients.

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

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What Makes This Recipe “Easy”?

Unlike traditional stuffed pepper recipes that require parboiling peppers or multiple cooking steps, this version keeps things simple:

• No pre-boiling the peppers

• No fancy ingredients

• No long baking times

• Straightforward seasoning

Everything cooks evenly in the oven, and the peppers soften perfectly without becoming mushy. The filling is pre-cooked on the stovetop, ensuring rich flavor and a shorter bake time.

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Recipe Details

• Recipe Name: Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

• Servings: 7

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Category: Dinner

• Cuisine: American

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Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at what makes this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe so delicious and balanced.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are the star of the dish. They act as both the container and the vegetable portion of the meal.

• Choose large peppers with flat bottoms so they stand upright.

• Any color works—green, red, yellow, or orange.

• Red and yellow peppers are sweeter, while green peppers are more savory.

Olive Oil

Used to sauté the onion and garlic, olive oil adds richness and helps build flavor from the very beginning.

Onion and Garlic

These aromatics form the flavor base of the filling.

• Onion adds sweetness and depth.

• Garlic brings warmth and savory notes.

Ground Beef

Lean ground beef keeps the filling hearty without being greasy.

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

• Plant-based crumbles work well for a vegetarian version.

Brown Rice

Brown rice adds texture, fiber, and heartiness.

• White rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice also work.

• Use pre-cooked rice to save time.

Tomatoes and Tomato Paste

Diced tomatoes add moisture and slight acidity, while tomato paste deepens the flavor and thickens the filling.

Spices

Oregano and paprika provide warm, comforting seasoning without overpowering the dish.

• Add cumin or chili flakes for extra depth.

• Italian seasoning also works well.

Cheese

Cheddar Jack melts beautifully and adds a creamy, savory finish.

• Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese are great alternatives.

Parsley

Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange them cut-side up in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking tray.

2. Cook the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.

4. Make the Filling

Stir in the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper, filling them generously.

6. Bake

Bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, until the peppers begin to soften.

7. Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese over each pepper and return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm.

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Tips for Best Results

• Uniform peppers: Choose peppers similar in size for even cooking.

• Don’t overbake: Peppers should be tender but still hold their shape.

• Season well: Taste the filling before stuffing and adjust seasoning.

• Use cooked rice: This ensures the filling cooks evenly.

• Cover if needed: If peppers brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil.

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Easy Variations

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is incredibly adaptable.

Healthier Version

• Use ground turkey or chicken.

• Reduce cheese or use part-skim cheese.

Low-Carb Option

• Replace rice with cauliflower rice.

• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

• Swap beef for black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.

• Add corn, spinach, or mushrooms for texture.

Mexican-Inspired

• Add cumin and chili powder.

• Use pepper jack cheese.

• Top with cilantro.

Italian-Inspired

• Use Italian seasoning.

• Add marinara sauce.

• Use mozzarella or parmesan cheese.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is perfect for planning ahead.

• Assemble the peppers completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

• Bake when ready, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time.

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Storage & Freezing

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze fully cooked peppers for up to 3 months.

• Wrap individually or store in freezer-safe containers.

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

• Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

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Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Heat on medium power until hot.

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Print

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 380 kcal

• Protein: 26 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Carbohydrates: 24 g

• Fiber: ~4 g

This meal is well-balanced, filling, and suitable for most diets.

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Common Questions (FAQ)

Can I use raw rice?

No. Always use cooked rice to ensure the filling cooks properly.

Do I need to pre-cook the peppers?

Not for this recipe. Baking them uncovered softens them perfectly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What side dishes go well with stuffed peppers?

A simple salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread pair beautifully.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is everything a weeknight dinner should be—simple, comforting, nutritious, and full of flavor. With tender peppers, a savory beef and rice filling, and melted cheese on top, it’s a timeless dish that never goes out of style.

What truly makes this recipe shine is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or adapting it to fit your dietary needs, this recipe works every time. It’s easy enough for beginners, reliable enough for busy families, and delicious enough to serve again and again.