Irresistible Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Beef Recipe

Name: Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 cup cooked long-grain rice; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup canned tomato sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian herbs (oregano or basil)

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

July 19, 2025

Updated:

July 19, 2025

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There’s something magical about stuffed peppers with rice and beef that makes my heart sing and my taste buds do a little happy dance. Imagine vibrant, colorful bell peppers cradling a savory mixture of seasoned beef and fluffy rice, all drizzled with a hint of tomato sauce that adds just the right amount of zing. The aroma wafts through the kitchen like a warm hug, promising an explosion of flavors that will make even your pickiest eaters come back for seconds.

Every time I make these stuffed beauties, I’m transported back to family gatherings where the kitchen buzzed with laughter and chatter. Picture my aunt’s delightful chaos as she juggled pots and pans while trying to keep track of her mischievous kids. Stuffed peppers were always the star of the show; they were easy to make and looked stunning on the table, creating an anticipation that had us drooling before we even took our first bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These stuffed peppers are not only easy to prepare, but they also offer an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone asking for your secret

Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing, turning any meal into a feast for the eyes
Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand!

Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at gatherings

I remember one particular Thanksgiving when I brought these stuffed peppers to my family’s dinner. My cousin, who usually turns his nose up at anything green, devoured three of them before anyone else had even taken a bite!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Bell Peppers: Choose firm peppers in bright colors for a vibrant presentation; red, yellow, or green work beautifully.
Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep it flavorful without too much grease; turkey works too if you’re feeling adventurous.
Rice: Use long-grain white or brown rice; cooked rice is key for achieving that fluffy texture.

Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for the best flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic punch; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
Tomato Sauce: Use canned tomato sauce for convenience; it ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Cheese: Shredded cheese on top creates a gooey finish; mozzarella or cheddar are both excellent choices.
Spices: Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs like oregano or basil to enhance flavor complexity.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare Your Peppers: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove seeds; set aside those lovely caps—no waste here!

Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook until golden brown—your kitchen will smell divine.

Add Ground Beef and Rice: Toss in ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in cooked rice along with tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and spices. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Stuff Those Peppers!: Carefully spoon the beef-rice mixture into each prepared pepper until filled generously. Place upright in a baking dish—no tipping over allowed!

Cover & Bake!: Pour a little water into the bottom of the baking dish to create steam (this keeps things moist). Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Add Cheese & Finish Baking: Remove foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over each pepper. Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Now you’ve got yourself some amazing stuffed peppers with rice and beef! They’re not just a meal; they’re an experience that brings joy and satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy!

You Must Know

These stuffed peppers with rice and beef are not just a meal; they’re a warm hug on a plate
The vibrant colors make dinner feel festive, while the aroma fills your kitchen like a cozy restaurant

A perfect balance of flavors awaits!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the beef until browned, then prepare the rice while you chop veggies for the stuffing. This sequence ensures everything is ready at once, maximizing flavor and minimizing time!

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add black beans for extra protein. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top before baking for an indulgent twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through for best quality.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For optimal flavor, season your beef well and taste as you go

Avoid overcooking the peppers; they should be tender but still hold their shape
Lastly, let them rest before serving to enhance the flavors!

Sharing my first experience making stuffed peppers brings back so many fond memories. My friends raved about them, and I felt like a culinary rockstar that night!

FAQs

FAQ

What kind of peppers work best for stuffed peppers with rice and beef?

Bell peppers are ideal due to their sweetness and sturdy structure but any large pepper will work.

Can I use leftover rice for stuffed peppers?

Absolutely! Leftover rice adds convenience and enhances the flavor of your stuffed peppers.

How long do I bake stuffed peppers with rice and beef?

Bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and filling is hot.

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