Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Peppers

Name: Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Classic Hearty Meals

I absolutely adore making Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers! These vibrant, bell pepper vessels are filled to the brim with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, creating a comforting meal that's both nourishing and satisfying. The best part is how simple they are to prepare. Whenever I have friends or family over, these stuffed peppers steal the show! With every bite, you'll get a burst of flavor that takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where every meal was made with love and care.

Created by

Skylar Jennings

Last updated on 2026-02-07T21:45:35.735Z

Cooking Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers has become one of my favorite go-to meals. Each time I make them, I experiment with spices and flavors, which makes it a unique experience every time. For instance, I love adding a dash of smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor that my family can’t get enough of!

What I’ve learned is that choosing the right kind of pepper makes all the difference; I prefer the sweetness of red or yellow peppers over green ones. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the size of your peppers to ensure they are tender yet retain a good structure to hold the filling.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and wholesome with delicious ground beef and rice filling
Vibrant colors make for an eye-catching presentation
Easy to customize with your favorite spices or add-ins
Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!

Choosing the Right Peppers

When it comes to picking bell peppers for your stuffed peppers, size and freshness matter. Look for peppers that are firm and free from blemishes or soft spots, as these will not only hold up better during cooking but also deliver a crisper texture. Larger peppers will provide more room for filling, while smaller ones can serve as delightful bite-sized portions. If you want a mix of flavors, consider using a variety of colors, like green, red, and yellow, each adding its own sweetness and character to the dish.

After cutting the tops off the peppers, you can also use those tops in the filling mixture. Finely chop the pepper tops and add them when cooking the onion and garlic. This enhances the peppery flavor in your filling and reduces food waste, making your dish even more delicious and environmentally friendly!

Customize Your Filling

The filling for these stuffed peppers is highly customizable, making this dish adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences. For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or sprinkle in red pepper flakes while cooking the beef. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even make them vegetarian by using black beans, lentils, or quinoa instead of meat. If using quinoa or lentils, make sure they are cooked beforehand, as the cooking times differ significantly from ground meat.

Don't forget to consider adding vegetables to the filling! Chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are great options that complement the beef and add moisture to the mix. Just be cautious not to overcrowd the filling with veggies, as it may affect the overall balance of the dish. Adjust the seasonings as needed when adding ingredients to ensure a well-rounded flavor.

Ingredients

Start by gathering your ingredients so you're ready to go!

Ingredients

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

Once you have everything, you're all set to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious stuffed peppers.

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Mix the Filling

Combine the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the cooked beef. Mix well until fully combined.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each prepared bell pepper. Top with shredded cheese if desired.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers!

Now that you've made these amazing stuffed peppers, serve them hot and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap the ground beef with turkey or make it vegetarian by using beans or lentils. Also, adding some chopped spinach or zucchini into the filling can enhance the nutrition without affecting the flavor.

Storage and Reheating

These stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also great for meal prep! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just assemble the stuffed peppers without baking them, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and they can last for up to 2 days before baking. When you're ready to cook, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping them in the oven, as this helps them cook evenly.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil, until heated throughout. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, but be cautious, as the peppers can become mushy if reheated for too long.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your stuffed peppers with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. A light, tangy vinaigrette can accompany a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors of the stuffed peppers. Consider a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on top for an extra layer of flavor that complements the savory filling remarkably well.

For a more filling option, serve the peppers on a bed of cooked quinoa or rice. It will help soak up the delicious juices that may come from the peppers during baking, making every bite flavorful. You could also sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking for a gooey finish that will please cheese lovers.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these stuffed peppers in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator and bake when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of rice?

You can substitute rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even couscous for a different twist!

→ Are the leftovers good?

Yes! In fact, the flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Definitely! You can freeze the stuffed peppers before or after baking. Just make sure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.