Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Name: Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers; 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Traditional Comfort Food Collection

I absolutely love making Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers for a comforting dinner. The combination of seasoned beef, rice, and fresh veggies all nestled in a tender pepper creates a dish that's both hearty and colorful. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor, and it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover rice or ground meat. Plus, they look so beautiful on the table! Join me in this delightful culinary adventure, and let's transform simple ingredients into something special.

Created by

Ophelia Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:09:36.133Z

In my experience, the best way to ensure the peppers are flavorful is to really season the filling. I always add a good amount of spices and herbs, which not only make it delicious but also infuse the peppers with great taste as they cook. I also occasionally use grated cheese as a topping for some extra richness and gooeyness.

Another tip I’ve found is to slightly parboil the peppers before stuffing them; it helps them become tender and prevents them from being too crunchy after baking. This method has consistently yielded stuffed peppers that are perfectly cooked through, juicy, and packed with flavor. Give it a try!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of savory beef and fresh veggies
An easy, all-in-one meal that requires no sides
Great for meal prep or leftovers—just reheat and enjoy!

Choosing the Right Peppers

When selecting bell peppers for this dish, opt for large, firm varieties with vibrant colors. Red, yellow, or orange peppers add a sweet flavor and a pop of color, while green peppers offer a more traditional, slightly bitter taste. Ensure they are unblemished and heavy for their size, indicating freshness. If you note any wrinkles or soft spots, choose another pepper to guarantee your dish turns out as delicious as possible.

For a fun twist, you can mix and match colors to brighten up the plate, and using different varieties will introduce unique flavors. Also, consider using poblano peppers for a smoky flavor or other types of peppers if you enjoy a bit of heat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using a thicker-walled pepper.

Enhancing Flavor with Spices

The dried Italian seasoning is a key element in this recipe, providing a blend of herbs that enhances the beef and vegetable mixture. However, feel free to customize the spice mix to suit your taste. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or substitute with a pinch of smoked paprika to infuse a subtle smokiness into the filling. Your choice of spices can transform the flavor profile, so don't hesitate to experiment.

Additionally, you might add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking. This ingredient will deepen the umami flavor, rendering your stuffed peppers even more savory and satisfying. Just remember to adjust the salt accordingly, as Worcestershire adds saltiness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful cooking experience:

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create delicious stuffed peppers:

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. If you prefer, you can lightly boil the peppers for about 5 minutes to soften them slightly.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper until filled. If using, sprinkle cheese on top of the filling.

Bake

Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, add a splash of water to the bottom to create steam, and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to melt the cheese.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers!

Enjoy these stuffed peppers hot out of the oven!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try experimenting with spices like cumin or paprika in the filling. You can even swap out the ground beef for turkey or a vegetarian protein if preferred.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers can be a fantastic make-ahead meal. After stuffing the peppers, cover and refrigerate them for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake as directed, extending the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes to ensure they heat through. This method is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without extensive preparation.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. If they were particularly well-stuffed, consider covering them with foil during reheating to avoid drying out the tops.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed peppers stand alone as a hearty meal, but you can elevate your serving experience by pairing them with a simple side salad or garlic bread. A light vinaigrette-based salad will complement the filling without overpowering it. For an Italian twist, serve them alongside a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

For a healthier version, consider topping the stuffed peppers with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, adding creaminess and tang. Fresh herbs, like basil or cilantro, can also be sprinkled on top for added flavor. Feel free to get creative and adapt serving styles based on your personal preference!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of peppers?

Absolutely! You can use any color of bell pepper or even poblano peppers for a slightly different flavor.

→ How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze stuffed peppers before cooking?

Yes! Prepare the stuffed peppers and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw and bake when you're ready.

→ What's a good side to serve with stuffed peppers?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs well with stuffed peppers for a complete meal.