Best Ever Classic Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef
There are some recipes that just instantly transport you back to childhood, and for me, Classic Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef is absolutely one of them. I remember rainy Sunday afternoons, the comforting aroma filling my grandmother’s kitchen, and the sheer joy of diving into a plate of these tender, flavorful beauties. It was more than just a meal; it was a warm hug in food form, a cherished family tradition.
This isn’t just any recipe; it’s the culmination of years of perfecting, a truly tested and family-favorite version that delivers on all fronts. If you’re looking for an incredibly satisfying, hearty, and easy dinner that brings everyone to the table, you absolutely need to make these Classic Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef now. They are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for a cozy weeknight or a special weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ This Classic Stuffed Peppers recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s a culinary hug that you’ll want to make again and again. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your home:
- Pure Comfort Food: There’s something inherently heartwarming about biting into a tender bell pepper brimming with a savory, perfectly seasoned filling. It’s the ultimate cozy meal for chilly evenings or busy weeknights when you crave something truly satisfying.
- Family Favorite: Ground beef and rice are universally loved ingredients, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters. Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds!
- Surprisingly Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table without hours of fuss.
- Hearty & Wholesome: Packed with protein from the ground beef, fiber from the peppers and rice, and plenty of vegetables, this meal is not only delicious but also wonderfully nutritious, keeping you full and energized.
- Incredibly Versatile: Stuffed peppers are a fantastic canvas for customization! You can easily adapt the filling to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Think different cheeses, herbs, or even grain swaps.
- Beautiful Presentation: These vibrant bell peppers, bursting with a rich filling and crowned with bubbly, melted cheese, make for a stunning centerpiece on any dinner table. They look far more complex than they actually are to prepare!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling in advance, or even assemble the peppers completely and bake them later. This makes meal prep a breeze and helps you get dinner on the table even faster during hectic days.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing common, affordable ingredients like ground beef, bell peppers, and rice, this recipe is kind to your wallet while still delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients for this recipe! Everything comes together beautifully to create a harmonious and flavorful dish. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and a complete list.
Expert Tips
💡 Achieving perfect stuffed peppers every time is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Choose the Right Peppers: Opt for bell peppers that are firm, vibrant in color, and have a flat bottom so they sit upright in your baking dish without toppling over. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are generally sweeter than green ones, but green provides a nice earthy contrast.
- Par-Cooking the Peppers: For truly tender peppers that aren’t too crunchy, give them a quick blanch or a short microwave session before stuffing. This softens them slightly, ensuring they cook through evenly alongside the filling without becoming mushy. Just 5-7 minutes in boiling water or 3-4 minutes in the microwave with a splash of water will do the trick.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: If you’re using cooked rice in your filling, make sure it’s not overcooked to begin with. Slightly undercooked or al dente rice is ideal as it will absorb more of the delicious sauce and juices during baking without turning mushy.
- Season Your Filling Generously: This is where all the flavor truly comes from! Taste your ground beef mixture before stuffing. Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you love. A well-seasoned filling makes all the difference.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent the peppers from sticking, and pour a little extra liquid (like water, broth, or tomato juice) at the bottom. This creates a steamy environment that helps tenderize the peppers and keeps the filling moist.
- Mind the Dome: Don’t overstuff your peppers! Leave a little space at the top. The filling will expand slightly as it cooks, and you want room for that lovely cheese cap without it overflowing.
- Foil for Moisture: Covering your baking dish with foil for the initial baking period traps steam, helping the peppers become perfectly tender and ensuring the filling cooks through without drying out. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to get that beautiful, bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping.
- Rest Before Serving: Just like with a roast, allowing the stuffed peppers to rest for 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven lets the juices redistribute and the filling set, making them easier to handle and even more delicious.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or personal preferences:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Skip the ground beef and use a mix of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and finely diced vegetables (like zucchini, carrots, or spinach). For vegan, ensure all other ingredients are plant-based and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Keto/Low-Carb: Replace the rice with riced cauliflower or finely chopped cooked mushrooms. You can also use a higher fat ground beef.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your tomato sauce and any broth used are certified GF.
- Different Grains: Instead of white rice, try brown rice, quinoa, or even couscous for a different texture and nutritional profile. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
- Cheese Swap: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a finely minced jalapeño to the filling for those who love a bit of heat.
Storage & Freezing
Stuffed peppers are fantastic for meal prep! Store leftover cooked peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.
For freezing, allow the cooked peppers to cool completely. Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven (covered with foil initially) until hot.
FAQ
Do I need to pre-cook the rice before adding it to the filling?
Yes, for this recipe, it’s best to pre-cook your rice. This ensures the rice is tender and fully cooked without making the peppers too soft or the filling dry during baking. An al dente rice works perfectly as it will absorb more flavors while baking.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of ground pork and beef work wonderfully. Adjust your cooking time slightly if using leaner meats to prevent them from drying out.
What kind of bell peppers are best?
You can use any color of bell pepper you prefer! Red, yellow, and orange tend to be sweeter and milder, while green bell peppers have a slightly more robust, peppery flavor. Choose firm, unblemished peppers that can sit flat.
Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
There’s truly nothing quite like the comforting aroma and satisfying taste of homemade Classic Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a memory maker, a crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the simple joys of home cooking. Give it a try this week, and watch it disappear from the table!
Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later so you can revisit this timeless classic again and again!
Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe – Easy & Delicious Dinner!
Ingredients
- 6 large bell peppers (any color), tops removed and seeds scooped out
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, divided
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cooked white rice (short grain or long grain)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water (for the baking dish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Step 2 Optional: To pre-soften peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or microwave with 1/4 cup water for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Drain well.
- Step 3 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 4 Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Step 5 Add diced tomatoes (undrained), half of the tomato sauce (1/2 can), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Step 6 Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 7 Place the prepared bell peppers upright in the greased baking dish. Divide the beef and rice mixture evenly among the bell peppers, stuffing them generously.
- Step 8 Pour the remaining 1/2 can of tomato sauce and beef broth (or water) into the bottom of the baking dish, around the peppers.
- Step 9 Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 10 Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
- Step 11 Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the peppers are tender.
- Step 12 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
