Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

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Nothing beats the comforting taste of Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers! These classic tender bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings, then baked until perfectly juicy and flavorful. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a Sunday family meal, this hearty dish is sure to bring warmth to your table. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients!

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Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

  • Classic Comfort Food – A nostalgic dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals.
  • Hearty & Filling – Packed with protein, veggies, and grains for a well-balanced meal.
  • Customizable – Use different meats, grains, or seasonings to make it your own!
  • Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and store for easy lunches or dinners.
  • One-Pan Wonder – Everything bakes in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!
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Ingredients for Stuffed Bell Peppers

  • 6 large bell peppers (any color, tops cut off & seeds removed)
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt & black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
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How to Make Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers

  1. Preheat the Oven
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Prepare the Bell Peppers
    • Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
    • Arrange them upright in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Cook the Filling
    • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
    • Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
    • Add the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Stuff the Peppers
    • Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each hollowed bell pepper, filling them generously.
  5. Add Tomato Sauce & Bake
    • Pour tomato sauce evenly over the stuffed peppers.
    • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Add Cheese & Final Bake
    • Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the peppers are tender.
  7. Serve & Enjoy!
    • Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese.
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Tips for Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers

  • Pick Firm Peppers – Choose large, sturdy bell peppers that can hold the filling without collapsing.
  • Pre-Boil for Softer Peppers – If you prefer extra tender peppers, boil them for 5 minutes before stuffing.
  • Use Leftover Rice – This recipe is perfect for using up any leftover cooked rice from previous meals.
  • Make It Low-Carb – Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
  • Add More Veggies – Mix in mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition.
  • Spice It Up – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat!

How to Store Stuffed Bell Peppers

Refrigerator:

  • Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

  • Place cooled stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

  • Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave: Heat individual peppers for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
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Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Recipe by SophiaCourse: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

270

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

Ingredients

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

  • 1 cup tomato sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare the peppers:Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them in a baking dish.
  • Cook the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
  • Mix: Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stuff the peppers: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each bell pepper.
  • Top with sauce & cheese: Pour tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

Notes

  • Use Different Meats – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for variety.
  • Dairy-Free Option – Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
  • Make it Vegetarian – Use black beans, lentils, or quinoa instead of meat.
  • Extra Sauce – Serve with extra tomato sauce or marinara for added moisture.

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