Hearty Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice That Make the Perfect Weeknight Dinner
If you’re looking for a satisfying, one-dish meal that feels just as homey as it does hearty, you’ve come to the right kitchen. These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice are the kind of recipe I grew up eating—comforting, colorful, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for using up leftovers and are endlessly adaptable based on what’s hanging out in your pantry or fridge.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, these stuffed peppers are an easy, wholesome win that will have everyone asking for seconds.
| Serving Size: 6 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour |
Ingredients
For the stuffed peppers:
- 6 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Extra shredded cheese for topping (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the peppers
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and place in a baking dish. Pre-bake for about 10 minutes to soften slightly.
3. Cook the filling
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
4. Add flavor
Drain excess grease if needed, then stir in the cooked rice, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
5. Stuff the peppers
Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, packing it in well. Top with extra cheese if desired.
6. Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the peppers are tender.
7. Garnish and serve
Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Peppers
- Pre-bake the peppers. It makes them more tender and easier to eat without overcooking the filling.
- Drain your tomatoes. This helps prevent the filling from getting too watery.
- Use leftover rice. Day-old rice works great and holds up well inside the peppers.
- Double the filling. Freeze the extra mixture for a quick future dinner—just thaw and stuff fresh peppers.
Tasty Variations
Vegetarian Style: Skip the meat and add black beans, corn, or mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version.
Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling.
Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top.
Low-Carb Option: Sub cauliflower rice for a lighter version that still packs a punch.
Cheese Swap: Try feta, Monterey Jack, or even a layer of Parmesan on top for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. Assemble them fully (without baking) and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold.
Do I have to pre-cook the peppers?
It’s not required, but pre-baking helps them get nice and soft. If you prefer a firmer pepper, skip this step.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes! Cooked stuffed peppers freeze well. Let them cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
What’s the best type of rice to use?
Any cooked rice works—white, brown, jasmine, basmati, or even wild rice if you want to get fancy.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Just leave out the cheese or sub in your favorite plant-based cheese alternative.
Related Post: Fajita Casserole Recipe
Final Thoughts
Stuffed bell peppers are one of those old-school comfort meals that never go out of style. They’re budget-friendly, super filling, and totally customizable depending on what you have on hand. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t have this recipe in your regular dinner rotation already.
So grab some peppers, make a filling, and enjoy one of the easiest and most satisfying meals you can make from scratch—your future self will thank you.