Classic Stuffed Green Peppers – Easy Ground Beef & Rice Dinner

Name: Homemade Chili: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6–8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity); ½ cup beef broth or water

Sarah Smith
Nov 14
2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Classic Stuffed Green Peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese. A cozy, hearty dinner that’s simple, comforting, and perfect for any night of the week.

Stuffed green peppers with melted cheese in a black skillet on a wooden table. Peppers are filled with rice and meat, creating a cozy vibe.

Description

These Stuffed Green Peppers are a timeless comfort-food recipe made with tender bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings. Baked until soft and topped with melted cheese, they make a cozy family dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. A classic, hearty dish everyone loves. You might also love my One-Pot Shepherd’s Pie Skillet, or if you’re craving Italian flavors, try these Juicy Homemade Meatballs. For something a little saucier, my Authentic Mexican Enchiladas are always a hit. If you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner, this One-Pot Hawaiian Chicken & Rice is perfect. You can also check out my Classic Chicken Salad Sandwiches for a quick and easy lunch option.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 large green bell peppers

1 pound ground beef

1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cooked white rice

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until browned.
Add the onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and simmer 3 minutes.
Place the peppers upright in a baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each pepper.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil, top each pepper with cheese, and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
Garnish with parsley if desired.

How to Serve

Serve warm with mashed potatoes, a simple side salad, or garlic bread. These also reheat well for next-day lunches.

Tips

Use red or yellow peppers for a sweeter flavor. Leftover rice works perfectly in this recipe. Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. For extra sauce, pour a small amount of tomato sauce into the baking dish before covering.

Green Peppers — FAQ

Q: Can I use red, yellow, or orange peppers instead of green? Yes! Any color pepper works in this recipe. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter and add extra color and flavor.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the peppers up to 24 hours in advance and bake right before serving.

Q: What can I serve with this dish? These pair well with simple sides such as roasted potatoes or a fresh salad. They’re also delicious next to One-Pot Shepherd’s Pie Skillet or One-Pot Hawaiian Chicken & Rice.

Q: How do I store the leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.