THE BEST STUFFED PEPPERS WITH GROUND BEEF Recipe

Vibrant stuffed peppers burst with flavor. A mix of red, yellow and orange bell peppers is filled with lean ground beef, rich tomato sauce, aromatic herbs and fluffy white rice. Topped with melted cheese, it adds indulgence. This comforting dinner offers a delightful blend of hearty taste and inviting color.

I love making this stuffed peppers recipe cause it brings together a balanced mix of flavors and nutrition. I start with 6 large bell peppers in red, yellow and orange, which are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.

I combine 1 lb lean ground beef with 1 cup cooked white rice, a medium chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. The protein and carbs in this meal help keep you full an provide a great energy boost.

I then add 1 can tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt and freshly ground black pepper, plus 1/4 cup water to keep it moist during cooking. Some people even like to add 1/2 cup shredded cheese on top for that extra flavor kick.

It’s a classic stuffed pepper recipe that works perfectly as a beef dinner with rice. This recipe is all about simple ingredients creating an easy night dinner.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasons:

1. I love how the mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers not only makes it look super pretty but also adds a nice, natural sweetness that makes every bite a delight.
2. I like that its really easy to make—even on busy nights—since prepping the peppers and mixing the beef with rice is straightforward and not too time consuming.
3. I enjoy how the ground beef, tomato sauce, and herbs come together in a way that feels both hearty and healthy, giving me that comforting, home-cooked feel.
4. And I gotta say, adding the cheese at the end for that melty, gooey finish makes it even more irresistible to me.

THE BEST STUFFED PEPPERS WITH GROUND BEEF? Yeah, it’s just the best. I mean, stuffed peppers with rice, ground beef, and a rainbow of sweet red, yellow, and orange bell peppers makes it the perfect, easy dinner idea any night of the week. It’s kinda like the meal that checks all the boxes—delicious, satisfying, and not too heavy on the prep work. This isnt one of those recipes that try to be fancy; it’s simple, flavor-packed, and totally dependable when I need a solid dinner fix.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers are high in fiber and vitamins; they add a nice sweet crunch.
• Lean ground beef packs plenty of protein and rich flavor for a hearty filling.
• White rice gives good carbohydrates; it soaks up all that tasty sauce.
• Tomato sauce provides a tangy kick and loads of vitamins for extra savor.
• Onion and garlic boost the dish with natural sweetness and bold aroma.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 large bell peppers (a mix of red, yellow and orange)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it.

2. Wash the bell peppers and carefully cut off the tops, then scoop out the seeds and membranes.

3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned, draining any excess fat.

4. Stir in your tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt and pepper, along with the 1/4 cup of water, and let it simmer for a few minutes.

5. Mix in the cooked white rice into the beef mixture until everything is evenly combined.

6. Spoon the beef and rice mix into each bell pepper, filling them nicely.

7. Stand the stuffed peppers upright in your baking dish, making sure they fit snugly.

8. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.

9. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top if using, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Allow the stuffed peppers to cool a little before serving, and enjoy your delicious dinner!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated Oven – You’ll need an oven that can be set to 375°F for baking.
2. Baking Dish – A standard baking dish that’s just big enough to snugly hold all the stuffed peppers.
3. Sharp Knife – For cutting the tops off the bell peppers and any other chopping you need.
4. Cutting Board – A stable board where you can safely cut the bell peppers and chop the onions.
5. Large Skillet – Use a skillet on medium-high heat to brown the ground beef with the onions and garlic.
6. Spoon or Spatula – A sturdy spoon or spatula is needed both for stirring the beef mixture and for draining extra fat.
7. Aluminum Foil – You will cover the baking dish with foil during part of the baking process.
8. Can Opener – If your tomato sauce comes in a can, a can opener is a must-have.

FAQ

THE BEST STUFFED PEPPERS WITH GROUND BEEF Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of lean ground beef you can use ground turkey or ground chicken. They cook similarly and still tastes great.
• If you don’t have cooked white rice, you can substitute it with brown rice or even quinoa for a nice twist.
• Don’t have tomato paste? Use an extra couple tablespoons of tomato sauce instead. It works, although it’s a bit less thick.
• You can swap dried oregano with some crushed fresh oregano or even a pinch of thyme if that’s what you have on hand.
• If you’re not into cheese or need a dairy free version, try using a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan cheese in the end.

Pro Tips

1. If you want the bell peppers to be a bit softer, try blanching them in boiling water for just a couple of minutes before you stuff them. Its an easy way to give them a nice tender texture without overcooking your filling later.
2. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika into the beef mix for an extra kick. It really brings out the flavors and makes the dish interesting if you’re in the mood for a little spice.
3. When you mix your rice and beef, consider tossing in a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. It may sound simple, but it adds a fresh, bright flavor that makes the dish taste even better.
4. Allow the stuffed peppers to rest for a few minutes after you take them out of the oven. This gives the flavors time to settle and helps prevent burning your tongue on the first bite.