Stuffed Bell Peppers are a timeless dinner favorite for good reason. They’re colorful, hearty, and packed with flavor, all while being easy to prepare and naturally portion-controlled. Tender roasted bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices, then topped with melty cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
This stuffed peppers recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family. Everything cooks together beautifully, creating a wholesome, satisfying meal without complicated steps.
Ingredients for Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bell peppers | 8 | Any color |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Extra-virgin |
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb | |
| Sweet onion | 1 small | Diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Petite diced tomatoes | 15 oz | Undrained |
| Rotel | 10 oz | Undrained |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | Low sodium |
| White rice | ¾ cup | Uncooked |
| Brown sugar | 3 tsp | |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tsp | |
| Taco seasoning | 1 tsp | |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp | |
| Black pepper | ⅛ tsp | |
| Mexican blend cheese | 1 cup | Divided |
| Cilantro or parsley | Optional | Garnish |
| Scallions | Optional | Garnish |
Best Stuffed Bell Peppers (Easy Ground Beef & Rice Dinner)
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Yield: 8 peppers
Description
Classic stuffed bell peppers filled with ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese.
Ingredients
8 bell peppers
1 lb ground beef
3/4 cup white rice
1 cup chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can Rotel
1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Prep peppers.
2. Cook beef filling.
3. Stuff peppers.
4. Bake until tender.
Notes
Let peppers rest before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Preheat oven to 400°F and spray a 3-quart baking dish.
- Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
- Dice pepper tops and set aside.
- Season insides of peppers with salt and pepper.
- Place peppers upright in baking dish and roast for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, onion, garlic, and diced pepper tops.
- Cook until beef is browned; drain excess grease.
- Stir in tomatoes, Rotel, broth, rice, brown sugar, Worcestershire, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir half of the cheese into the beef mixture.
- Spoon filling into peppers and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
Helpful Tips
- Choose peppers that can stand upright.
- Don’t overcook rice before stuffing.
- Use different pepper colors for visual appeal.
- Let peppers rest 5 minutes before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
Cooking the filling separately allows the rice to absorb flavor while the peppers soften just enough in the oven. The result is tender peppers with a rich, perfectly seasoned filling that stays juicy and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve stuffed peppers with:
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Steamed broccoli
- Fresh fruit
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic comfort meal that never goes out of style. Easy to make, colorful, and packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something nourishing and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time.
Are stuffed peppers healthy?
Yes, they’re balanced with protein, vegetables, and carbs.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, freeze fully cooked peppers for up to 3 months.