Ground Beef and Cheese Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate comfort food — colorful bell peppers filled with a hearty mix of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Each pepper is like its own little edible bowl, bursting with savory goodness and rich flavor.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even as a show-stopping main course for gatherings. It’s wholesome, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, offering a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and grains all in one bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s hearty, colorful, and full of flavor — the kind of home-cooked meal that feels both comforting and satisfying. The combination of tender peppers, seasoned beef, and gooey melted cheese is simply irresistible.

It’s also versatile — you can make it with any filling you like, from ground turkey to quinoa. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies while still delivering that classic, cheesy, savory flavor everyone loves.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This stuffed pepper recipe is a must-try because it brings together everything you want in a dinner — simplicity, nutrition, and big flavor. It’s a complete meal in itself, packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients.

The dish is also customizable, freezer-friendly, and makes for beautiful presentation with its colorful bell peppers. Whether you’re feeding your family or cooking for guests, this recipe guarantees a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal every single time.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6 stuffed peppers
• Calories: ~380 per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers:

• 6 large bell peppers (any color, tops cut off and seeds removed)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean preferred)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare peppers: Slice off tops, remove seeds and membranes. Brush with olive oil and place in the baking dish.
3. Cook beef mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add onions and garlic, cook until softened. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, rice, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Stuff peppers: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each pepper. Top each with shredded cheese.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and brush with olive oil.
2. Cook the Filling: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, then add onions, garlic, and tomato paste.
3. Mix Ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, rice, and seasonings. Let simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
4. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each pepper generously with the beef mixture.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each filled pepper.
6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then uncover to let the cheese brown slightly.
7. Garnish & Serve: Add chopped parsley and enjoy warm.

How to Serve

Serve these stuffed peppers hot, straight from the oven, with a side of garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. They also pair beautifully with roasted vegetables or a light soup. Drizzle extra tomato sauce on top before serving for extra flavor and a restaurant-style presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Pre-cook the peppers: If you prefer softer peppers, boil them for 3–4 minutes before stuffing.
• Use leftover rice: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked rice.
• Drain the meat: Always drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy filling.
• Add more cheese: Mix some cheese into the filling for extra richness.
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.

Variations

• Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add corn, black beans, cumin, and top with Monterey Jack cheese.
• Italian Style: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, and top with mozzarella and basil.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with lentils, quinoa, or plant-based ground meat.
• Cheesy Twist: Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for a more complex flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped stuffed peppers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or microwave for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Foil
• Mixing spoon
• Sharp knife

FAQ

Q1: Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and stuff the peppers up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q2: Can I use uncooked rice?
It’s best to use cooked rice, but if using uncooked, add ½ cup water to the filling and increase bake time by 10–15 minutes.

Q3: What color peppers are best?
Red and yellow peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a stronger flavor — use your favorite or a mix for color variety.

Q4: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Lean turkey or chicken makes a lighter but equally tasty version.

Q5: Can I skip the cheese?
Yes, but the cheese adds a creamy, melty texture that enhances the flavor beautifully.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Cheese Stuffed Peppers are a timeless, wholesome dish that delivers comfort in every bite. The savory beef filling, flavorful tomato base, and gooey melted cheese make this recipe a true family favorite. It’s easy to prepare, colorful on the plate, and endlessly customizable. Whether you make it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite, this recipe guarantees satisfaction with minimal effort. Serve it once, and it’ll quickly become a regular on your dinner rotation!