Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef, Rice, and Mozzarella Recipe

Introduction

Classic stuffed peppers are a comforting and satisfying meal that combines savory ground beef, tender bell peppers, and melted cheese. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 large bell peppers
• 2½ cups tomato sauce, divided
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir the cooked rice and 2 cups of tomato sauce into the beef mixture. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
4. Step 4: Prepare the bell peppers by cutting a thin slice from the stem end to remove the top. Remove seeds and membranes. If peppers wobble, slice a little off the bottom so they stand upright.
5. Step 5: Stuff each pepper with the beef and rice mixture and place them upright in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Step 6: Bake the peppers for 40-45 minutes, or until tender. To check, insert a toothpick near the top—the skin should be easy to pierce.
7. Step 7: Remove the peppers from the oven. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the remaining tomato sauce over each pepper. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top of each one.
8. Step 8: Return the dish to the oven and bake for about 5 more minutes, until the cheese melts and is bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
• Use different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
• Adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the filling brightens the flavor.
• If you prefer softer peppers, cover the baking dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To freeze, wrap peppers individually and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any color bell peppers?

Yes, all colors of bell peppers work well. Red, yellow, or orange peppers tend to be sweeter and add a nice flavor contrast.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can stuff the peppers a day in advance and refrigerate them uncovered. Bake them just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers with Beef, Rice, and Mozzarella Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 137 reviews

Classic Stuffed Peppers feature large bell peppers filled with a savory blend of lean ground beef, rice, onions, garlic, and tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty and comforting baked dish combines tender peppers with rich flavors, making it an ideal family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 stuffed peppers 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Filling:

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Peppers and Sauce:

• 6 large bell peppers
• 2½ cups tomato sauce, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
2. Cook Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the lean ground beef, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the cooked rice and 2 cups of tomato sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
3. Prepare Peppers: Cut a thin slice from the stem end of each bell pepper to remove the tops. Remove seeds and membranes carefully. To help peppers stand upright if they wobble, trim a small slice off the bottom, being careful not to make a hole.
4. Stuff Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each prepared bell pepper, filling them generously. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake Peppers: Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. To check readiness, insert a toothpick near the top of a pepper—if it slides in easily, they are done.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the remaining ½ cup tomato sauce over each stuffed pepper. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each pepper.
7. Melt Cheese: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• For a milder option, use sweet bell peppers instead of hot varieties.
• Rice can be substituted with quinoa for a different texture and added nutrition.
• To save time, use pre-cooked or leftover rice.
• Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a leaner dish.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: stuffed peppers, baked stuffed peppers, ground beef stuffed peppers, classic stuffed peppers, stuffed bell peppers recipe