Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers

Name: Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bell peppers (any color); 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Traditional Comfort Kitchen

I absolutely love making Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers for dinner! They're not only incredibly delicious but also a perfect way to present a hearty meal in a colorful package. I often find myself customizing the filling with whatever I have on hand, which makes them versatile and fun to prepare. Plus, they are a great way to sneak in some veggies for everyone at the table. With their juicy flavors and satisfying textures, these stuffed peppers have become a favorite in my household.

Created by

Blair Hudson

Last updated on 2026-02-06T18:17:36.538Z

During one family gathering, I decided to prepare Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers as the main dish. I meticulously crafted a filling with ground beef, rice, and fresh herbs, and the resulting flavors were a hit. The combination of spices and the method of baking made the filling wonderfully savory while the peppers provided a sweet crunch. My family couldn’t get enough!

One of my favorite tips is to roast the peppers for just a few minutes before stuffing them. This enhances their flavor and ensures they're tender, making for a delightful bite. I've learned that browning the beef with onions and garlic beforehand also brings out a rich depth in the overall dish, making it not just a meal, but a celebration of flavors.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Savory and seasoned ground beef filling that is oh-so-satisfying
Colorful presentation that brightens up the dinner table
Easily customizable with various vegetables and spices
Great for meal prep and makes delicious leftovers

Choosing the Right Peppers

When making Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers, selecting the right peppers is crucial for both flavor and presentation. Bell peppers are the classic choice, but you can experiment with different varieties like poblano or even colorful sweet mini peppers. Ensure the peppers are firm and have a rich color to enhance the dish’s visual appeal. Look for peppers with smooth skin and a heavy feel, indicating freshness.

If you prefer peppers with a slightly different flavor profile, consider roasting them before stuffing. This adds a smoky depth to the dish, enhancing the savory beef filling. Just slice the peppers in half, coat them lightly with olive oil, and roast them in the oven for about 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) before stuffing.

Customizing Your Filling

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—feel free to customize your filling based on your taste and dietary needs. Ground beef is flavorful, but you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Adjusting the amount of seasoning also allows you to control the spice levels; adding crushed red pepper flakes can offer a nice kick, while incorporating herbs like basil or cilantro can freshen the overall taste.

In addition to rice, consider adding black beans or quinoa to the filling for added protein and fiber. Chopped vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can boost the nutrient content without overwhelming the primary flavors. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through and fully melded together.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Once you make your delicious stuffed peppers, you might have some leftovers—great news, they store beautifully! Keep any uneaten stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To prevent sogginess, it's best to store the filling separately from the peppers if possible. This way, when you’re ready to enjoy them again, the texture remains intact.

For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the stuffed peppers with foil to retain moisture and warm them for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, they can be microwaved; just place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot. Adding a sprinkle of cheese during reheating can give them a freshly-baked feel!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

4 bell peppers (any color)
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure you have these on hand before starting!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious stuffed peppers:

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish.

Cook the Beef Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Stuff the Peppers

Fill each pepper with the beef mixture, packing it in gently. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the filled peppers.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Now your stuffed peppers are ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

Feel free to mix in other ingredients like black beans or corn for a unique twist. Additionally, you can substitute quinoa for rice for a healthier option.

Serving Suggestions

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers are a meal in themselves, but pairing them with a simple side salad can elevate your dinner experience. A fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the savory flavors of the peppers and adds a refreshing crunch. Consider incorporating ingredients like avocado or cherry tomatoes, which also echo the peppers’ vibrant colors.

If you're looking for something heartier, serving the stuffed peppers over a base of creamy polenta or couscous provides an excellent contrast in texture. The creamy backdrop absorbs the savory juices from the peppers, enhancing every bite. Additionally, a drizzle of balsamic reduction over the dish before serving adds a sweet, tangy finish.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe to serve a larger crowd is simple! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed. Keep in mind that when scaling up, it may be necessary to use a larger baking dish or multiple trays. If you’re preparing these for a potluck or a family gathering, consider making a variety by using different colored peppers or varying the filling ingredients to provide some unique flavor options.

However, if you only need to serve a smaller group, you can easily halve the recipe and bake just two peppers. This approach also allows you to experiment with different filling combinations without the pressure of making a full batch. Remember, regardless of the size, monitor the baking time closely, as smaller or larger quantities may alter the overall cooking duration.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would also work well, and you can even use vegetarian alternatives like lentils.

→ How can I make these peppers spicier?

Try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.

→ Can I prepare the peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

→ What should I serve with stuffed peppers?

These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or crusty bread.