Stuffed peppers are a timeless comfort food that combines the sweetness of roasted bell peppers with a hearty, flavorful filling of ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. Each bite is packed with a delicious balance of textures and tastes, making this dish a family favorite for generations.
What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. You can swap the protein, adjust the spices, or even add extra veggies to make it your own. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a meal-prep-friendly dish, these stuffed peppers deliver on taste, satisfaction, and ease. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, with gooey melted cheese on top!
Full Recipe:
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 bell peppers, tops and cores removed
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes. Season with oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Arrange the bell peppers, cut side up, in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle the insides lightly with olive oil.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each pepper, packing them tightly.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper. Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Classic Stuffed Peppers: A Timeless Comfort Food
Stuffed peppers have been a beloved dish for generations, bringing together vibrant bell peppers, savory fillings, and cheesy goodness. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight meal or an impressive dish for entertaining guests. Whether you prefer the traditional beef and rice combination or enjoy experimenting with different ingredients, stuffed peppers provide endless possibilities for customization.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Classic stuffed peppers stand the test of time due to their incredible versatility and rich, comforting taste. The foundation of this recipe is simple: hollowed-out bell peppers filled with a hearty mixture of ground beef, rice, and flavorful seasonings, all topped with melted cheese. The peppers soften beautifully in the oven while maintaining just the right amount of bite, complementing the rich and savory filling inside.
This dish is perfect for anyone looking to prepare a meal that is both wholesome and satisfying. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a great option for those who want a meal that is as nutritious as it is delicious.
The History of Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers have been enjoyed in various forms across cultures for centuries. In Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, peppers are often filled with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and fragrant herbs. In Mexico, chiles rellenos are a popular variation featuring stuffed and battered poblano peppers. Meanwhile, in Eastern European cooking, stuffed peppers are commonly filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce.
The American version of stuffed peppers, like this classic recipe, takes inspiration from these global variations while incorporating familiar comfort-food ingredients such as ground beef, cheese, and hearty seasonings. The result is a dish that feels both nostalgic and endlessly adaptable.
Choosing the Best Peppers
Bell peppers are the star of this recipe, and selecting the right ones makes all the difference. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are slightly sweeter and have a milder flavor, which pairs beautifully with the savory filling. Green bell peppers, on the other hand, have a slightly more bitter taste, adding a distinct contrast to the dish.
For the best results, choose peppers that are similar in size and shape to ensure even cooking. They should be firm with smooth, unblemished skin. If possible, opt for organic peppers, as they tend to have a more robust flavor and fewer pesticides.
Why Ground Beef Works Best
Ground beef is the protein of choice for this recipe because of its rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture. Using an 85/15 ratio (85% lean, 15% fat) strikes the perfect balance, ensuring the filling stays moist without being overly greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use 90/10 ground beef or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
For those looking to reduce red meat consumption, plant-based ground “meat” alternatives work well in this recipe, delivering a similar texture and taste.
The Role of Rice in the Filling
Rice serves as the perfect complement to the beef, adding texture and heartiness to the stuffing. White rice is soft and absorbs flavors beautifully, while brown rice provides a slightly nuttier taste and extra fiber. If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice makes an excellent substitution without sacrificing texture.
For extra depth, some variations include quinoa, farro, or even orzo pasta, allowing for creative customization.
The Magic of Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes
Tomato paste and diced tomatoes play a crucial role in enhancing the richness of the filling. Tomato paste provides a concentrated umami flavor that deepens the taste of the beef mixture, while diced tomatoes add moisture and freshness. This combination helps bind the ingredients together while giving the dish its signature savory profile.
If you want a little extra kick, fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste. For a slightly tangier twist, you can mix in a spoonful of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.
The Importance of Cheese Topping
No classic stuffed pepper is complete without a generous layer of melted cheese. Monterey Jack cheese is a great choice due to its mild, buttery flavor and excellent melting quality. However, cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend work just as well.
If you want a spicier kick, pepper jack cheese is a great alternative. For a dairy-free option, plant-based cheese shreds can be used, offering a similar creamy texture without compromising on taste.
Customizing Your Stuffed Peppers
One of the best things about stuffed peppers is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Italian-Inspired Stuffed Peppers – Add Italian seasoning, swap the Monterey Jack for mozzarella, and mix in some Parmesan for extra richness.
- Mexican-Style Stuffed Peppers – Use taco-seasoned ground beef, black beans, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
- Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers – Replace the beef with lamb, add feta cheese, and mix in olives and fresh herbs.
- Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers – Skip the meat and use a combination of mushrooms, zucchini, and lentils for a hearty meat-free option.
- Spicy Cajun Peppers – Add Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage, and a touch of hot sauce for a bold and flavorful twist.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the filling. Garlic bread or a warm baguette adds a delightful crunch, while roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make for a nutritious complement.
For an extra comforting touch, serve these stuffed peppers with mashed potatoes or a side of creamy polenta. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, cheesy filling.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Stuffed peppers are excellent for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave them in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
To freeze, prepare the stuffed peppers but do not bake them. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes.
Conclusion
Classic stuffed peppers are the ultimate comfort food, combining wholesome ingredients with rich, savory flavors. Their versatility allows you to customize them to suit any taste or dietary preference, making them a reliable go-to meal for any occasion. Whether you stick to the traditional beef and rice filling or get creative with your own variations, this dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.