Classic Stuffed Pepper Recipe: A Delicious and Customizable Family Favorite

Few dishes strike the perfect balance between comfort food and weeknight practicality like Stuffed Peppers. Colorful, hearty, and endlessly versatile, they’re the kind of meal that feels like a complete dinner all wrapped up in one tidy, flavorful package. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting guests, this dish brings together bold flavors and a satisfying texture that appeals to just about everyone.

At the heart of this recipe is a savory filling of seasoned ground beef, garlic, and onions, enriched with juicy fire-roasted tomatoes and perfectly cooked rice. The combination is then generously packed into bell peppers and topped with melted cheese, making each bite a mix of sweet pepper, savory meat, and gooey goodness. And if beef isn’t your thing, this recipe is wonderfully flexible—feel free to use ground turkey, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

The best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining. Once you make these stuffed peppers once, you’ll be hooked by how easy they are to love—and how easy they are to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Incredibly Versatile – Works with different proteins, grains, and cheeses to match your taste or dietary needs.
2. All-in-One Meal – Veggies, protein, and carbs all in one tidy, delicious package.
3. Meal Prep Friendly – Can be made ahead and stored for easy lunches or dinners.
4. Kid-Friendly – Mild flavors and cheesy topping make it a hit with even picky eaters.
5. Customizable Heat – Add jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist, or skip it for a milder version.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers (any color)
• Olive oil
• Ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, pork, sausage, or tofu)
• Onion, chopped
• Jalapeño pepper, chopped (optional)
• Garlic cloves, chopped
• Fire roasted tomatoes (or diced tomatoes/tomato sauce)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend)
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt and pepper
• Cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)

For Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Red pepper flakes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or a plant-based meat alternative and load up on veggies like mushrooms and spinach.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.
• Spicy Lovers’ Style: Double up on jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
• Italian-Inspired: Use Italian sausage, add marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Mexican Twist: Mix in black beans, corn, and taco seasoning, and top with a Mexican cheese blend.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft. Add garlic and jalapeño (if using) and sauté briefly.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the fire roasted tomatoes, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 5: Mix in Rice and Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until well combined.

Step 6: Stuff the Peppers

Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.

Step 7: Bake

Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish and cover with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Choose Even-Sized Peppers: This helps them cook uniformly.
• Pre-Cook the Peppers (Optional): For softer peppers, you can blanch them for 5 minutes before stuffing.
• Drain Excess Fat: After browning the meat, draining excess fat keeps the filling from becoming greasy.
• Don’t Overstuff: Leave a little room at the top so the cheese doesn’t overflow.
• Use a Snug Baking Dish: This helps the peppers stay upright while baking.

How to Serve

Stuffed peppers are a full meal on their own, but they also pair well with:

• A simple green salad or coleslaw
• Crusty bread or garlic toast
• Roasted or steamed vegetables
• A dollop of sour cream or salsa on top
• A side of guacamole or avocado slices for a creamy contrast

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked stuffed peppers individually. Wrap them in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the fridge (if frozen), then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them the night before and bake the next day.

2. Do I need to cook the peppers before stuffing them?

Not necessary, but blanching them for 5 minutes will make them softer if you prefer.

3. Can I use uncooked rice?

No, rice should be fully cooked before mixing into the stuffing.

4. What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?

Use regular diced tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute.

5. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use tofu or beans and add extra veggies.

6. What’s the best cheese to use?

Pepper jack adds heat, cheddar brings richness, and mozzarella melts beautifully.

7. Can I freeze stuffed peppers before baking?

Yes, freeze them unbaked and thaw before baking as directed.

8. How do I keep them from falling over in the pan?

Use a snug baking dish or slice a thin layer off the bottom of the pepper to help them stand upright.

9. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Yes, quinoa is a great protein-rich alternative.

10. How do I make it spicier?

Add more jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or use spicy sausage in the filling.

Conclusion

This Stuffed Pepper Recipe is the ultimate combination of simplicity and flavor. With its savory filling, melty cheese, and colorful presentation, it’s a dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning ahead for busy nights, stuffed peppers offer a nutritious and satisfying solution that’s easy to customize. Once you try them, they’ll likely become a permanent rotation in your meal planning playbook.

Print