Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Main Ingredients

• 4–6 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheese Topping

• 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Optional Add-ins

• Black beans
• Corn
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Jalapeños

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds/membranes.
• Lightly brush peppers with oil.
• Place upright in a baking dish.

2. Cook the Filling

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Cook onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
• Add ground meat and cook until browned.
• Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Add Rice & Sauce

• Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, half the tomato sauce, and seasonings.
• Simmer 3–5 minutes until combined.

4. Stuff the Peppers

• Fill peppers generously with the meat mixture.
• Spoon remaining tomato sauce around and slightly over peppers.

5. Bake

• Cover dish with foil.
• Bake 30–35 minutes until peppers soften.

6. Add Cheese

• Remove foil.
• Sprinkle cheese on top.
• Bake uncovered another 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.

7. Serve

• Garnish with parsley or basil if desired.
• Serve hot.

Tips for Best Stuffed Peppers

Pre-Soften Peppers (Optional)

For extra tender peppers:

• Boil peppers 3–4 minutes before stuffing.

Don’t Overcook Rice

Slightly firm rice holds texture better during baking.

Make Ahead Friendly

Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Best Peppers to Use

• Red/yellow/orange = sweeter
• Green = more savory and slightly bitter

Keep Them Upright

Use a snug baking dish so peppers don’t tip over.

Variations

Mexican-Style

Use taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese.

Italian-Style

Add marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Low-Carb

Replace rice with cauliflower rice.

Vegetarian

Use lentils, beans, quinoa, or mushrooms instead of meat.

Serving Ideas

• Garlic bread
• Side salad
• Roasted potatoes
• Steamed vegetables

Storage

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Freeze up to 2 months
• Reheat covered in oven or microwave