This post contains affiliate links. Please see ourย disclosure policy.

Stuffed Peppers is a classic dish that can be served many different ways. These bell peppers are served with ground beef and rice to make the base filling then topped with mozzarella cheese.

Stuffed Peppers baked in a casserole dish.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Stuffed Peppers are a classic dinner that is made around the globe. They are made differently in different cultures. I make these a pretty traditional way. However you make these, I know you will enjoy them!

How to make Stuffed Peppers:

Start by preparing your bell peppers. Some people cut the tops off, but I like cutting them in half. Cook the peppers to soften them and get them ready for the filling. While the peppers are cooking prepare your meat and rice filling. Once the filling and peppers are done, spoon a heaping scoop of the filling into the peppers. Top with mozzarella cheese and put back in the oven. Once everything is baked together serve and enjoy!

ingredients for the Stuffed Peppers.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Olive Oil – used for the peppers and cooking the onions and jalapeno.
  • Bell Peppers – cut in half, cored and seeded.
  • Onions – diced finely.
  • Jalapeno – diced, cored and seeded.
  • Ground Beef – I used a 90/10 ground beef for this recipe.
  • Salt
  • Garlic Powder
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Black Pepper
  • Petite Diced Tomatoes – one can of petite diced tomatoes, do not drain.
  • Cooked Rice – prepare your favorite rice for the filling.
  • Mozzarella – shredded cheese for the topping.
closeup of the finished Stuffed Peppers.

Directions:

Step One – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step Two – Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the peppers. Spread the oil over the peppers and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

pouring oil over the peppers to cook them to get them ready.

Step Three – Flip the peppers, cut side down, and bake for 20 minutes. When done, set aside.

Recipe Tip

You want to pre-cook the peppers to get them tender. Cooke them cut side down, so you do not overcook the inside of the peppers.

peppers cut in half in the casserole dish.

Step Four – While the peppers are cooking, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions until softened. Then add the jalapeño and sauté 2 more minutes.

cooking the onions and jalapenos in a skillet.

Step Five – Next add the beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Cook and crumble the beef until brown. Drain any fat from the pan.

adding the ground beef and seasoning to the onions and jalapenos.

Step Six – Add the tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Then stir in the rice and remove from heat.

adding the rice to the meat filling.

Step Seven – Fill the cooked peppers with the beef and rice mixture and cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes.

filling the peppers with the meat and rice filling.

Step Eight – Remove the peppers from the oven and sprinkle the cheese on top of each pepper. Bake or broil until the cheese is lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.

topping the peppers with the mozzarella cheese.

Tips for making these Stuffed Shells:

  1. To make this a low carb friendly meal you can omit the rice or use brown rice.
  2. This recipe also tastes great made with ground turkey or venison.
  3. If you don’t have mozzarella cheese you can use Colby or Cheddar.
finished Stuffed Peppers baked in a white baking dish.

How to store leftovers:

Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. They will only last about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator before the peppers start to get too soggy.

I do not recommend freezing this recipe. The peppers will not last well in the freezer.

When you wish to reheat, the peppers warm them up in the microwave.

closeup of the stuffed peppers.

Make these Stuffed Peppers however you wish:

As I stated earlier, make these stuffed peppers however you like. Use beef, turkey, or chicken for the filling. Add rice or keep it keto or low-carb friendly with leaving the rice out of the filling. I think mozzarella works best but use whatever cheese you prefer. Use whatever spices you want or even add a little heat with some red pepper flakes, more jalapenos, or green chilies.

serving a Stuffed Pepper with a wooden spoon.

Check out some of my other Stuffed Pepper Recipes:

Mexican Stuffed PeppersThese Mexican Stuffed Peppers make the perfect dinner for any night of the week. Loaded with flavor and made with ground beef, beans, and cheese this dish is full of color and flavor. 

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed PeppersWith just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes, this Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers makes the perfect dinner recipe that your entire family is going to love.

Slow Cooker Stuffed PeppersThese Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers is one of my favorite recipes. These peppers are loaded with flavor, stuffed to the brim and so simple to make. 

two Stuffed Peppers served on a white plate.

If you tried any of my recipes I would love to hear from you, leave me a comment below. You can also connect with me on FACEBOOKINSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST. I would love for you to follow along and discover more amazing recipes.

Show me what you are making, use hashtag #TDOARH

Stuffed Peppers
5 from 1 vote

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers is a classic dish that can be served many different ways. These bell peppers are served with ground beef and rice to make the base filling then topped with mozzarella cheese.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 38 minutes
Total: 43 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Ingredients 

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, (Divided)
  • 4 Bell Peppers, (Cut in Half, Cored and Seeded)
  • ½ Cup Onions, (Diced)
  • 1 Small Jalapeno, (Diced, Cored and Seeded)
  • 1 Pound Ground beef, (lean)
  • 1 ½ Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 14.5 Ounce Petite Diced Tomatoes, (1 can)
  • 1 Cup Cooked Rice
  • 1 ½ Cup Mozzarella, (Shredded)

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the peppers. Spread the oil over the peppers and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Flip the peppers, cut side up, and bake for 20 minutes. When done, set aside.
  • While the peppers are cooking, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions until softened. Then add the jalapeño and sauté 2 more minutes.
  • Next add the beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Cook and crumble the beef until brown. Drain any fat from the pan.
  • Add the tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Then stir in the rice and remove from heat.
  • Fill the cooked peppers with the beef and rice mixture and cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the peppers from the oven and sprinkle the cheese on top of each pepper. Bake or broil until the cheese is lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.

Notes

Tips for making these Stuffed Shells:
To make this a low carb friendly meal you can omit the rice or use brown rice.
This recipe also tastes great made with ground turkey or venison.
If you don’t have mozzarella cheese you can use Colby or Cheddar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pepper
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Jennie

I'm Jennie!ย I'm a busy mom of three and I love cooking and sharing easy recipes. From slow cooker meals to casseroles all my recipes are simple to make and ones the entire family will love.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




2 Comments

  1. This recipe was delicious !! I thought it was brilliant to start cooking the peppers while you are making the filling. That cuts the bake time down after they are filled. I love salt, but I cut the salt down to 1 teaspoon and thought it was plenty salty. This recipe just has such great flavor and it was a great way to use peppers from my garden !