When the air begins to cool and the leaves start to turn, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty dish straight from the oven. Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are a family favorite that bring together wholesome ingredients, cozy flavors, and a touch of nostalgia. Each bite combines tender bell peppers with a flavorful filling, creating a meal that feels just as perfect for a busy weeknight as it does for a Sunday dinner.
This recipe is loved by readers because it’s budget-friendly, customizable, and so simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or trying to use up a basket of fresh seasonal peppers, this dish checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Beginner-friendly: Perfect for anyone new to cooking.
- Balanced and hearty: A complete meal with protein, veggies, and grains.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your dietary needs or what’s already in your pantry.
- Cozy and satisfying: Comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe, you’ll need simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully:
- 6 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, or green – choose your favorites)
- 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or even quinoa)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bell Peppers
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.
- Pre-bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
2. Make the Filling
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in ground beef (or chicken) and cook until browned.
- Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice, combining everything into a hearty filling.
3. Stuff and Bake
- Spoon the filling generously into each bell pepper.
- Top with a spoonful of extra tomato sauce and a sprinkle of cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Tips for Success
- Choose sturdy peppers: Bell peppers should be firm and not overly ripe, so they hold up during baking.
- Par-bake first: Pre-baking helps soften the peppers without overcooking the filling.
- Don’t overfill: Leave a little space at the top to prevent overflow while baking.
- Cheese tip: Shred your own cheese for the best melting texture.
Possible Variations
One of the best parts of Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers is how adaptable they are. Here are a few variations to try:
- Gluten-free option: Use rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead of breadcrumbs.
- Low-carb version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
- Vegetarian option: Swap meat for lentils, black beans, or chickpeas.
- Cheesy twist: Add a layer of cream cheese or ricotta inside the filling for extra richness.
- Mexican-inspired: Use taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top with pepper jack cheese.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap each stuffed pepper individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Meal prep: Prepare the filling a day in advance and store in the fridge. When ready, just stuff and bake!
Bringing It All Together
These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are the kind of recipe that warms your kitchen and fills your home with irresistible aromas. They’re a beautiful way to highlight fresh, seasonal produce while keeping dinner simple, satisfying, and stress-free.
Whether you serve them with a side salad, warm bread, or simply on their own, they’ll quickly become a staple at your table. With endless variations and simple prep, it’s no wonder this recipe is a reader favorite year after year.
So, grab your peppers, preheat your oven, and enjoy a cozy, delicious meal that’s just as easy as it is comforting.