Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Peppers

Name: Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Favorite Comfort Food Collection

I absolutely love making Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers for a hearty family meal. The combination of savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and vibrant bell peppers creates a dish that’s not just satisfying but also visually appealing. When I serve this, I see the delight in my family's faces as they dig into the colorful, flavor-packed peppers. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that allows for personal touches, and I can confidently say it's a favorite on our dinner table.

Created by

Juliet Ashford

Last updated on 2026-02-28T07:37:35.129Z

When I first tried stuffed peppers, I was immediately hooked on the vibrant flavors and textures. The challenge was making sure the beef was cooked just right and that the rice was fluffy and perfectly blended with spices. After several attempts, I found that pre-cooking the rice and using a blend of spices made all the difference in flavor.

Over time, I’ve adapted the recipe by incorporating different vegetables and spices, allowing me to experiment while still keeping the core goodness of the dish. Each time I make it, I love seeing how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a wonderfully satisfying meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying main course bursting with flavors
Vibrant colors make it visually appealing on your table
Versatile recipe that allows for endless customization

Choosing the Right Peppers

Selecting the right bell peppers is key to an enjoyable stuffed pepper experience. I recommend using large, firm peppers that can stand up to baking without collapsing. Green, red, yellow, or orange peppers all work, but their flavors vary slightly: green is a bit more bitter while red brings a sweeter note. Also, avoid peppers with any soft spots or wrinkled skin, as they might not hold up well in the cooking process.

For a fun twist, try multicolored peppers to enhance the dish's visual appeal. The varying sweetness levels can make each bite a delightful surprise. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the peppers can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Mastering the Stuffing Technique

When it comes to stuffing the peppers, aim for a well-packed filling. Gently press the beef and rice mixture into the peppers until they’re full, ensuring an even distribution of filling. If you over-pack, the filling may spill out during baking, but if you under-pack, the peppers might collapse. Before you add the cheese, consider mixing it into the filling itself for a more decadent flavor blend.

Another great way to keep the dish lighter is to swap out ground beef for lean turkey or even plant-based ground meat. This small change can reduce the overall fat content while still maintaining that hearty texture. Just be conscious of cooking times as lighter meats typically require less time to cook through, keeping everything juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your stuffed peppers:

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your stuffed peppers:

Prepare the Bell Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place peppers upright in a baking dish.

Cook the Beef Mixture

In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and cook until softened. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, pressing down gently to pack it in. Top with shredded cheese if desired.

Bake in the Oven

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and the cheese to melt.

Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can mix in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the beef mixture before stuffing the peppers.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, storing stuffed peppers is easy. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked peppers. Just wrap each pepper in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer, and when you're ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge.

To reheat, simply place the peppers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If they're frozen, it may take a bit longer, around 30-40 minutes. Cover with foil initially to retain moisture, then uncover for the last few minutes to crisp up the cheese if you added it.

Serving Suggestions

Serving stuffed peppers can be a fun opportunity to experiment. I love pairing them with a simple green salad or garlic bread for an extra satisfying meal. If you’re looking for more heft, consider serving them alongside seasoned quinoa or couscous. Both sides will enhance the dish while adding complementary flavors and textures.

To elevate your stuffed peppers, consider drizzling them with a homemade balsamic reduction or serving with a dollop of sour cream. Fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, sprinkled on top just before serving can add a fresh burst of flavor and color. You could also set out toppings like diced avocado or jalapeños to let everyone customize their plates.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can use turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ How do I make it vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or quinoa, and add more vegetables to the mixture.