Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers – A Flavorful Weeknight Classic

When you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together with simple ingredients, Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a perfect choice. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, melted cheese, and a rich tomato base, these peppers are not only delicious but also a visually stunning dish to serve on your dinner table.

I first stumbled across this recipe during a busy week when I was trying to clear out the fridge. I had a few bell peppers on hand, leftover rice, and some ground beef that needed to be cooked. With a little creativity, I threw everything together, added some seasoning, and popped it into the oven. The result was so flavorful that my picky youngest child—who normally avoids anything green—actually asked for seconds! That’s when I knew I had discovered a winner.

Over time, this dish has become a staple in our weekly meal rotation. It’s a recipe that looks impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, these stuffed bell peppers will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

There are so many reasons to add this recipe to your repertoire:

• Balanced flavors: The sweetness of the bell peppers perfectly complements the savory, spiced beef and creamy cheese.

• Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit dietary needs or what you have on hand.

• Kid-approved: Even picky eaters are won over by the cheesy, flavorful filling.

• Meal prep friendly: Make ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready for a quick dinner.

• Nutritious and satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the vegetables.

Choosing the Best Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers come in a variety of colors—green, red, yellow, and orange. Each color has its own flavor profile:

• Green peppers have a slightly bitter taste and are the most affordable.

• Red peppers are sweeter and pair beautifully with the savory filling.

• Yellow and orange peppers offer a mild, fruity sweetness and are great for variety.

For this recipe, you can use any color or mix and match for a beautiful presentation. Look for peppers that are firm, heavy for their size, and free of blemishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need–Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Here’s everything required to make these flavorful stuffed peppers:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish that can hold all six peppers snugly without overcrowding.

2. Prep the Bell Peppers

Slice the tops off each pepper and remove the seeds and membranes inside. If your peppers don’t sit upright, you can slice a very thin layer off the bottom to stabilize them.
Tip: Keep the tops to use as decorative lids when serving or chop them up and add to the filling.

3. Cook the Filling

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

5. Drain any excess fat if needed.

6. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and heated through.

The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that truly elevates the dish. If you only have regular paprika, that works fine too.

4. Assemble the Peppers

Place the cleaned bell peppers into the prepared baking dish. Fill each one generously with the beef and rice mixture, packing it down slightly.
Top each pepper with a sprinkle of the reserved cheddar cheese for that gooey, melty finish.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the peppers with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve hot alongside a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers  store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap each pepper individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Par-cook the peppers: If you like very soft peppers, boil them for 3-4 minutes before stuffing.

• Use leftover rice: This recipe is ideal for using up cooked rice from previous meals.

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

• Healthier swaps: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, or use quinoa instead of rice for extra protein.

• Cheese variations: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor.

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers – A Flavorful Weeknight Classic

Variations to Try

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are incredibly versatile. Here are a few fun twists:

• Italian Style: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and top with mozzarella and marinara sauce.

• Mexican Inspired: Swap rice for black beans and corn, and season with taco spices.

• Vegetarian: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a mix of beans and vegetables.

• Breakfast Peppers: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese for a morning treat.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~340

• Protein: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 6g

Note: Values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Perfect Pairings–Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are hearty enough to be a main dish but pair well with simple sides:

• A crisp green salad or Caesar salad for freshness.

• Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread to soak up the juices.

• A light soup like Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup from Tinsuf.com for a comforting combo.

For dessert, try something sweet and easy like Dark Chocolate Coconut Truffles or Easy Hummingbird Cake for a complete meal experience.

Make-Ahead Option

Busy week ahead? Assemble the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers up to a day in advance and refrigerate them covered.
When ready to bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The bell peppers turn tender but retain enough structure to hold the hearty filling, while the beef, rice, and tomatoes create a rich, comforting base. The melted cheese on top adds the perfect finishing touch. Smoked paprika is the secret ingredient, giving a depth of flavor that makes the dish taste like it’s been simmering all day—even though it comes together in under an hour.

Final Thoughts–Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are the ultimate weeknight hero meal. They’re flavorful, customizable, and so simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just meal-prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes.

The combination of savory beef, tender peppers, and melty cheese creates a meal that’s both nourishing and comforting. Pair it with a fresh side salad or crusty bread, and you’ll have a dinner everyone will rave about.

If you’re looking for more easy and delicious recipes, explore other hearty dinners and sides at Tinsuf.com or browse top-rated recipes at Delish.

Once you make this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen—one you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try tonight and experience the magic of homemade stuffed bell peppers!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, ground beef recipes, cheesy stuffed peppers, weeknight dinner, family meals