Stuffed peppers are a timeless comfort food that offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and hearty textures. This recipe for the best stuffed peppers uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. With a filling made from ground beef (or turkey), rice, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices, these peppers are loaded with flavor and nutrition. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to perfection, they make for an easy, well-rounded meal that can be served for dinner or even meal prep. The best part about stuffed peppers is that they’re incredibly versatile – you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The best stuffed peppers offer everything you need in one dish: a hearty filling, vibrant vegetables, and gooey melted cheese. What’s not to love? The combination of seasoned ground meat, rice, and a savory tomato sauce fills the peppers, making them satisfying without being overly heavy. The mix of spices, like garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of cheese, elevates the flavors while keeping things simple. Plus, this recipe is customizable – you can use ground turkey or beef, swap the cheese, or even add extra veggies. It’s an all-in-one meal that is sure to please the whole family. Not only is it delicious, but it also reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

Bell peppers (any color)
Ground beef or ground turkey
Uncooked white rice (cooked)
Diced tomatoes (canned)
Tomato sauce
Yellow onion (finely chopped)
Olive oil
Shredded cheddar cheese
Italian seasoning
Minced garlic
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper

Variations

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers – Replace the meat with a mix of beans, lentils, or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh.
Spicy Stuffed Peppers – Add some chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
Cheese Lovers – Use a blend of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for an extra cheesy stuffing.
Grilled Stuffed Peppers – Grill the stuffed peppers on a barbecue for a smoky twist.
Low-Carb Stuffed Peppers – Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Cook the rice according to package instructions if it’s not already prepared.

Step 4: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

To the browned meat, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Mix in Rice and Cheese

Stir in the cooked rice and ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 7: Stuff the Peppers

Stuff each bell pepper with the rice and meat mixture, packing it in tightly. Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish.

Step 8: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each pepper. Return the peppers to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve

Once the cheese is melted, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

If the peppers are too large, you can cut them in half and remove the seeds to make smaller servings.
To add extra flavor, drizzle the peppers with a bit of olive oil before baking them.
If you prefer firmer peppers, reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Don’t overstuff the peppers, as the filling will expand during baking.

How to Serve

Serve these stuffed peppers as a complete meal on their own, or pair them with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of bread for extra satisfaction. For an extra flavor boost, top with sour cream or fresh cilantro.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover stuffed peppers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooked stuffed peppers tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used as a substitute for ground beef.

2. How can I make stuffed peppers spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a bit of hot sauce to the filling.

3. Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the peppers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How do I know when the peppers are done cooking?

The peppers should be tender but still hold their shape. The filling should be heated through, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.

5. Can I make these stuffed peppers in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook stuffed peppers in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours on low.

6. Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before or after baking. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

7. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice is a great substitute, but be sure to cook it fully before adding it to the filling.

8. Can I skip the cheese?

Yes, you can skip the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version or want a lighter meal.

9. What can I serve with stuffed peppers?

Stuffed peppers can be served with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

10. Can I use different vegetables inside the stuffing?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

The best stuffed peppers are a comforting and delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal that’s full of flavor. With a savory filling of seasoned meat, rice, and cheese, these peppers are an easy-to-make, satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re making them for dinner tonight or prepping them for a busy week ahead, this recipe is a great choice for any occasion. Versatile, filling, and full of flavor, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.