Stuffed peppers are a timeless comfort food, perfect for any family dinner or meal prep. This Classic Stuffed Peppers recipe combines wholesome ingredients like ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a vibrant bell pepper. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or prepping for a get-together, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of the recipe, offering tips, variations, and a bit of history behind this iconic dish. Let’s dive into making these delicious stuffed peppers!

Why You’ll Love Classic Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers have a rich history that spans across many cultures. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—you can fill the peppers with virtually anything! The traditional version, however, often incorporates rice, ground meat, and flavorful seasonings. This Classic Stuffed Peppers recipe adds the richness of seasoned beef and the sharp, melty goodness of cheddar cheese. Whether you use white or brown rice or beef or turkey, the result is always satisfying.

The combination of ingredients offers the perfect balance of hearty and fresh, making this meal both comforting and nutritious. Plus, it’s easy to customize. You can switch up the filling, spice level, or type of cheese to suit your preferences. But for now, let’s stick to the classic recipe that’s loved by many!

Ingredients for Classic Stuffed Peppers

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare the Classic Stuffed Peppers:

For the Peppers:

4 large bell peppers (any color: red, green, yellow, or orange)
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling:

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, your choice)
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutes and Variations:

If you prefer a different flavor profile, consider these substitutions:

Ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
Quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a grain-free alternative.
Pepper Jack cheese or Mozzarella for a different cheesy finish.
Add some heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the filling for an extra kick!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Stuffed Peppers

Making Classic Stuffed Peppers is easier than you might think! Here’s a breakdown of the process, from prepping your peppers to baking them to perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. You can either discard the tops or chop them up and add them to the filling if you’d like to minimize waste. Drizzle the hollowed-out peppers with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they soften and become fragrant. This will take about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Once the meat is fully cooked, stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients into a flavorful filling. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well-seasoned and heated through.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Now it’s time to stuff the peppers! Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper, packing the filling tightly. You should have just the right amount to fill all four peppers, with a little extra leftover. If you have any leftover filling, you can either bake it alongside the peppers or serve it as a side dish.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Peppers

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and place it in the oven. Bake the stuffed peppers for 30 minutes. The peppers will soften and become tender as they cook.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the peppers are ready, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Classic Stuffed Peppers warm, and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal!

Tips for the Best Classic Stuffed Peppers

Here are a few tips to help you make the best stuffed peppers ever:

Don’t overcook the peppers: Keep an eye on them as they bake. The goal is tender peppers, but not mushy ones. If you like your peppers more al dente, you can reduce the baking time by 5 minutes.
Use lean meat: For a healthier option, opt for lean ground turkey or chicken. You can also use a plant-based meat alternative if you want to go vegetarian.
Customize the filling: Feel free to add more veggies to the filling, like zucchini or mushrooms. You can also toss in some black beans or corn for a Southwestern flair.
Check for seasoning: Taste the filling before stuffing the peppers and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes, a little more salt or a dash of hot sauce can make all the difference.
Make it a one-pan meal: If you’re short on time, try cooking the rice ahead of time and using pre-cooked chicken. This will speed up the prep time significantly.

Nutritional Information

A serving of Classic Stuffed Peppers (one stuffed pepper) typically contains:

Calories: 350-400
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 6g

This meal is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a filling and balanced dish. You can pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for an even more nutritious meal.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you enjoyed this Classic Stuffed Peppers recipe, you might also like these related dishes that offer similar ingredients or cooking techniques:

FAQs for Classic Stuffed Peppers

Q: What do you need for stuffed peppers?
To make stuffed peppers, you’ll need bell peppers, ground meat (such as beef or turkey), rice (white or brown), diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, seasonings like Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and shredded cheese for the topping. Olive oil is also used for prepping the peppers.

Q: What to put in stuffed peppers for a healthy option?
For a healthier stuffed pepper, consider using lean meats like ground turkey or chicken, brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice, and adding extra veggies like zucchini or spinach. You can also opt for a lighter cheese, such as mozzarella, and skip the cheese entirely if desired.

Q: How do you keep stuffed peppers from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy stuffed peppers, make sure to remove the pepper seeds and membranes thoroughly. Pre-cook the filling, so it doesn’t release excess moisture during baking. Additionally, cook the peppers until they are tender but not overcooked, as prolonged baking can cause them to become soggy.

Q: How long can you eat stuffed peppers after making them?
Stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container for best results.

Conclusion

Classic Stuffed Peppers are a versatile, hearty, and delicious meal that can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Whether you stick with the traditional ground beef and rice filling or experiment with other ingredients, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining guests.

The balance of savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and melty cheese all stuffed inside tender bell peppers makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients and give this easy, flavorful recipe a try. Your family will thank you!

Classic Stuffed Peppers – Easy & Hearty Family Dinner

Author: MastertheKitchen
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Classic Stuffed Peppers are packed with savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and vibrant spices, all tucked into perfectly roasted bell peppers and topped with melty cheddar cheese. A hearty, oven-baked comfort food dish that’s easy to prep and even easier to love!

Ingredients

Scale

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prep the peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Drizzle with olive oil and place upright in a baking dish.
Cook the filling: Sauté onion and garlic in a skillet until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomatoes, rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the peppers: Fill each pepper with the beef mixture. Cover with foil.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Add cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top of each pepper, and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
For extra flavor, add Worcestershire sauce or chopped mushrooms to the filling.
Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Oven-Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Calories: 360 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Classic Stuffed Peppers, stuffed bell peppers, beef stuffed peppers, easy dinner idea