Description

These Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful, hearty, and customizable main dish. Filled with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, tomatoes, and gooey cheese, they bake up beautifully in the oven and are perfect for a healthy family dinner or meal prep. With easy prep and endless variation options, this one-dish wonder is both nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternative)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup tomato sauce, plus extra for topping
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Optional: 1/2 cup corn, black beans, or chopped spinach

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prep the peppers: Slice off the tops, remove seeds, and lightly brush inside and outside of each pepper with olive oil. Place upright in a baking dish.
Cook the filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onions until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in garlic, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Add cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in half the shredded cheese. Mix well.
Stuff the peppers: Spoon the filling into each pepper. Top with a spoonful of tomato sauce and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake: Pour 1/4 cup water into the baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Serve: Let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley or herbs if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. You can also make these vegetarian by swapping the meat for lentils or mushrooms. Peppers can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Calories: 360
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 55mg