Classic Stuffed Green Peppers (Easy Ground Beef & Rice Dinner)

These classic stuffed green peppers are one of those comforting family dinners that never go out of style. Tender bell peppers are filled with a hearty mixture of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, tomatoes, and savory seasonings, then baked until perfectly tender and topped with melted cheese. This easy stuffed peppers recipe is budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.

If you love cozy dinners like One-Pot Shepherd's Pie Skillet or Juicy Homemade Meatballs, these stuffed peppers with ground beef and rice are another comforting favorite. Pair them with a Southern Garden Salad or warm Sourdough Bread for a complete family meal.

Quick Answer

Classic stuffed green peppers are made by filling bell peppers with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, tomatoes, and seasonings, then baking them until tender and topping them with melted cheese. They make an easy, hearty family dinner and can be prepared ahead or frozen for later.

Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Green Peppers

• Easy stuffed peppers recipe with ground beef and rice

• Classic comfort food that’s hearty and filling

• Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand

• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

• Family-friendly dinner that’s easy to customize

Recipe Card

• Servings: 4 Prep

• Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Nutrition Information

(Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: ~420

• Protein: ~26 g

• Carbohydrates: ~28 g

• Fat: ~22 g

• Fiber: ~4 g

• Sugar: ~6 g

• Sodium: ~650 mg

You only need a handful of simple pantry staples to make these classic stuffed peppers. The combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melty cheese creates a hearty, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

For the Peppers

• 4 large green bell peppers

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (100 g)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Filling

• 1 pound ground beef (450 g)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup cooked white rice (185 g)

• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces / 410 g)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Peppers

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If desired, trim the bottoms slightly so they stand upright in the baking dish.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Add Onion and Garlic

Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

4. Make the Filling

Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and simmer for about 3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

5. Fill the Peppers

Arrange the peppers upright in a baking dish and spoon the beef mixture evenly into each pepper.

6. Bake Until Tender

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. The peppers should begin to soften while the filling heats through.

7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and sprinkle the tops with shredded cheese. Return the peppers to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender. The filling should reach 160°F (71°C).

8. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations for Stuffed Peppers

• Green peppers provide the classic flavor, while red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter.

• Leftover cooked rice works perfectly and saves time.

• Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef.

• For extra sauce, spoon a little tomato sauce into the baking dish before baking.

• If you prefer softer peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 2–3 minutes before filling.

• Pepper Jack cheese adds a little heat and extra flavor.

• These stuffed peppers freeze beautifully after baking.

• Make it low carb: replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carb version.

Troubleshooting Stuffed Peppers

Why are my peppers still firm?

Bake them a little longer or blanch them before stuffing for softer peppers.

Why are my stuffed peppers watery?

Avoid adding excess liquid and drain canned tomatoes if they contain a lot of juice.

How do I keep the filling from drying out?

Cover the dish during the first stage of baking and avoid overbaking..

Make-Ahead & Storage

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

To make ahead, assemble the peppers up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

For longer storage, allow the baked peppers to cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQ

Should I cook the peppers before stuffing them?

No. The peppers soften as they bake. However, if you prefer very tender peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes before filling.

Can I use different colored peppers?

Yes — red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter and work well.

Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes — assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.

What’s the best rice to use?

White rice works best, but brown rice can be used.

Do I have to cook the rice first?

Yes. Cooked rice produces the best texture and ensures the filling cooks evenly.

Can I make stuffed peppers without cheese?

Absolutely. The peppers are still flavorful and delicious without cheese.

More Comfort Food Dinners to Try

If you're looking for more cozy family dinners, these comforting recipes are packed with hearty flavors and make wonderful additions to your weeknight meal rotation.

• 

  Classic Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

• 

  Chicken Pot Pie Soup

• 

  Stuffed Cabbage

• 

  Lemon Herb Chicken & Asparagus

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Stuffed Cabbage Lemon Herb Chicken & Asparagus

Final Thoughts

These classic stuffed green peppers are the kind of comforting dinner that families have loved for generations. With their hearty beef and rice filling, tender peppers, and melted cheese topping, they're simple enough for busy weeknights yet satisfying enough for Sunday supper. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or gathering everyone around the table, this timeless stuffed peppers recipe is one you'll come back to again and again.