Name: Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 bell peppers (any color); 1 tablespoon oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Peppers Recipe

This recipe is hearty and satisfying with classic flavors everyone loves. The peppers are tender but still hold their shape, the filling is savory and rich with tomato and rice, and the melty cheese on top makes every bite extra delicious. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners yet special enough for company.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 bell peppers, cut in half, cored and seeded
½ cup diced onions
1 small jalapeño, diced, cored and seeded
1 pound lean ground beef
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper
14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
1 cup cooked rice
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the bell peppers, coating evenly. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
Place the peppers cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes to soften. Set aside.
While the peppers bake, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions until softened, then add the jalapeño and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet along with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Then add the cooked rice and mix until well combined.
Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the softened pepper halves. Cover with foil and bake for about 15 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of each pepper, and bake or broil for 2–3 more minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 4 servings
Prep time: Around 15 minutes
Cook time: About 35–40 minutes
This yields a complete main course perfect for a family dinner.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or venison for the beef.
Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier or lower‑carb version.
Try different cheeses like cheddar or Colby instead of mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or in a preheated oven until heated through. Freezing is not recommended, as the peppers can become soggy when thawed.

FAQs

How do I soften the peppers before stuffing?

Par‑baking the peppers cut side down for about 20 minutes softens them so they finish cooking with the filling without becoming mushy.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes — swap the meat for a plant‑based ground substitute or add cooked lentils and extra veggies.

What can I serve with stuffed peppers?

They go well with a side salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can cook the filling ahead and store it in the fridge, then stuff and bake the peppers when ready to serve.

How do I know when the peppers are done?

They should be tender to a fork and the filling hot and bubbling after baking.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes — white, brown, or wild rice all work; just use cooked rice.

Is it okay to skip the jalapeño?

Absolutely — omit it if you prefer less heat.

Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?

Yes — zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms are great additions.

What cheese melts best on stuffed peppers?

Mozzarella melts well, but cheddar, Colby, or a blend are great too.

Can I make this dairy‑free?

Yes — omit the cheese or use a dairy‑free cheese alternative.

Conclusion

These stuffed peppers are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and versatile. With a flavorful meat and rice filling and gooey cheese on top, they’re sure to become a favorite dinner option you’ll return to again and again.