If you’re craving a comforting, vibrant dish that never fails to impress, you absolutely need to try this Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender bell peppers bursting with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, ripe tomatoes, and melted cheese, all coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe hits that magical spot of being hearty, flavorful, and just plain satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the first step to nailing this Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe. Each element is simple yet essential, contributing to the dish’s satisfying texture and bright, balanced flavors.
- 6 bell peppers (any color): Choose firm, healthy peppers for the best structure and vibrant presentation.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the beef and vegetables evenly.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory backbone of the stuffing.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings a sweet and aromatic depth to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that irresistible punch of flavor that complements the beef and tomatoes.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Adds structure and lightness to the filling, making it more filling without heaviness.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained: Gives moisture and a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with fragrant herbs like oregano and basil for classic Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and rounding out all the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend): Melts beautifully to crown the peppers with gooey, golden goodness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh color and brightness to the final presentation.
How to Make Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, carefully cut the tops off your bell peppers and scoop out all the seeds and membranes. If the peppers don’t sit upright naturally, trim a bit off their bottoms so they stand tall while baking. Nestle them snugly into your baking dish as you prepare your filling.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil then add your ground beef. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep the stuffing from becoming greasy, setting the stage for a perfectly balanced filling.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to your skillet with the beef. Cook these together until the onion becomes soft and translucent — about 2 to 3 minutes — letting those aromas meld and infuse the meat so every bite is flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Filling Ingredients
Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors can marry and the filling is heated through. This mixture is the heart of your Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers and Add Cheese
Generously spoon the savory beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing it well without overfilling. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, ensuring every pepper gets a deliciously melty crown that will brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake Until Tender and Bubbling
Cover your baking dish tightly with foil to trap moisture and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and the peppers to become tender without losing their shape. This step creates that classic texture contrast that makes this dish unforgettable.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stuffed peppers for a fresh burst of color and a touch of green brightness. This final touch elevates the look and adds a subtle herbal note that complements all the rich flavors inside.
How to Serve Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is ideal, but for extra flair, consider a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. These little touches can brighten the dish and add interesting layers to the flavor that guests will love.
Side Dishes
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad, warm garlic bread, or even a light soup. These sides bring texture and freshness that balance the richness of the stuffed peppers perfectly, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stuffed peppers upright on individual plates or slice them in half to showcase their colorful fillings. For a family-style presentation, arrange them on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of extra cheese that can melt under a broiler before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next day just as delicious, if not more so.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely, then wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals on busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that wonderful texture of cooked peppers and melted cheese.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative and still tastes delicious stuffed inside bell peppers. Just be sure to season it well to maintain flavor depth.
Do the bell peppers need to be pre-cooked before stuffing?
No need to pre-cook the peppers. Baking them stuffed allows them to soften perfectly in the oven while absorbing the flavors of the filling.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep it hearty and tasty. Adjust seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor.
What type of cheese melts best on stuffed peppers?
Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of the two are fantastic choices because they melt smoothly and offer excellent flavor and texture contrast.
How long will the stuffed peppers keep in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, they will stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a heartwarming, colorful Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe that brings joy to the table every time. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it one of your favorites to share with those you love.
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Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley. This comforting dish is baked until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 6 bell peppers (any color)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Trim the bottoms if necessary so they stand upright. Place the peppers upright in the greased baking dish.
- Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Mix Filling: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavors are combined.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper. Top each pepper with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Bake with Foil: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and the filling to heat evenly.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Once baked, garnish the stuffed peppers with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- You can use any color bell peppers or a mix for a vibrant presentation.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- If you prefer softer peppers, you can parboil the peppers for 5 minutes before stuffing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to customize the cheese type according to your preference; mozzarella offers a mild creaminess while cheddar adds a sharper flavor.
