Description
Colorful, flavorful, and ready in under an hour, these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are the ultimate go-to for a quick dinner, healthy snack, or even meal prep. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, they’re naturally gluten-free and endlessly customizable. Perfect for anyone looking for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, or a comforting yet healthy meal option.
Ingredients
4 bell peppers
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set them upright in a baking dish.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Mix in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Stuff the peppers with the meat and rice mixture, pressing gently to fill.
8. Top each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and peppers are tender.
11. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use cooked rice that isn’t too soft to avoid a mushy texture.
Choose bell peppers that stand upright to prevent tipping in the oven.
Taste your filling before stuffing to adjust seasoning perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: easy dinner, healthy snack, stuffed peppers, quick dinner, meal prep, gluten-free