If you’ve been searching for a comforting dinner that combines vibrant colors, hearty flavors, and melty cheese all in one bite, you’re going to adore this Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe. Picture tender bell peppers bursting with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and tangy tomatoes, all topped with golden, gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table, perfect for family nights or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe comes from simple ingredients that each play a vital role, contributing fresh color, rich texture, and deep flavor. These essentials make the dish approachable and delicious every time.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base and rich protein punch for this dish.
- 6 bell peppers (any color): Their natural sweetness and crisp texture create the perfect edible vessel.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Adds a lovely fullness that helps bind the filling beautifully.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Introduces sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic warmth that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Brings a fresh acidity and juicy bite to the filling.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, tangy sauce to keep the peppers moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Adds the perfect, melty, creamy topping that makes every forkful irresistible.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Blends herbs for a balanced, classic taste profile.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a subtle earthy note that elevates the beef mixture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when your peppers are stuffed. Meanwhile, dice your onion and mince the garlic to have everything prepped for the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the onions and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant—about 4 minutes. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and creates a fragrant base.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s beautifully browned with no pink remaining. This caramelization builds rich flavor that’s essential to the dish.
Step 4: Mix in the Filling Ingredients
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it cook together for about 5 minutes so all the wonderful flavors marry perfectly.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Place the cleaned bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Stuff each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down gently to compact, ensuring every bite is loaded with that hearty filling.
Step 6: Add Tomato Sauce and Bake
Pour tomato sauce over and around the peppers in the baking dish. Cover them tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Cheese It Up and Finish Baking
Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of each pepper, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer that’s simply irresistible.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the hot stuffed peppers for a pop of color and brightness, then serve immediately while the cheese is perfectly melty and the peppers are tender.
How to Serve Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, but feel free to add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flair. A dollop of sour cream or a little hot sauce can also add wonderful contrast and creaminess to this dish.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices make fantastic companions to soak up the tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these peppers into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece by placing them on a colorful serving platter surrounded by fresh herbs. Alternatively, serve individual peppers right on plates with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of cheese for a restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They hold up wonderfully and flavors often deepen after resting overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze stuffed peppers for up to 3 months. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat stored peppers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave them covered for 2-3 minutes. Add a little extra cheese on top before reheating if you want that fresh-melted effect.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that also works great in this Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe. Just adjust your seasoning to keep the flavor robust.
What’s the best type of rice to use?
Any cooked white or brown rice works well, but jasmine or basmati rice offers a nice fragrant touch that complements the spices beautifully.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! You can prepare and stuff the peppers in advance, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal planning or busy weeknights.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, cooked quinoa, or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust seasonings to taste and you’ll have a hearty vegetarian version just as satisfying.
Why do some peppers get mushy when baking?
The key is not overbaking. Baking for around 40 minutes total keeps the peppers tender yet firm enough to hold their shape, ensuring a pleasant texture without turning mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe is one of those meals that effortlessly combines wholesome ingredients with heartwarming flavors and gooey cheese to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s simple enough to make any night feel like a celebration. I truly can’t wait for you to try it and share your love for this classic, comforting dish!
Print
Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Traditional American
Description
Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic comfort food featuring colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, seasoned with Italian herbs and cumin. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 bell peppers (any color), tops removed and seeds cleaned
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping and Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Combine mixture: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
- Prepare peppers: Place the cleaned bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Carefully fill each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Add tomato sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over and around the stuffed peppers in the baking dish.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the peppers to soften and the filling to cook through.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top, and serve the stuffed peppers hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can use any color bell peppers according to your preference or availability.
- Cooking the rice beforehand is essential for the filling texture; leftover rice works perfectly.
- Adjust seasonings such as cumin and Italian seasoning to suit your taste.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
