Description
This hearty and delicious stuffed peppers recipe features large bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a classic American baked dish that’s perfect for a satisfying and wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Peppers: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outsides and insides with olive oil and place them cut side up in a baking dish.
- Cook Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each prepared bell pepper, pressing down gently to fill completely. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
