Description
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers featuring a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection. This comforting American main course is easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Bell Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Fillings and Sauce
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce, plus more for topping
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Bell Peppers: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish, trimming the bottoms if necessary to help them stand.
- Cook Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in cooked white rice, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing it tightly. Top each stuffed pepper with a spoonful of tomato sauce and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to cook the peppers thoroughly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve the stuffed peppers warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter or vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- These stuffed peppers can be prepared ahead of time and reheated for convenient meals throughout the week.
