Ultimate Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Foolproof Family Recipe
Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice
Features: One-Pan, Make-Ahead Friendly, Customizable
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Moderate
Dietary: Gluten-free, adaptable to vegetarian/vegan
Equipment Needed:
- Large pot or deep skillet
- 9×13″ baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Alternative: Slow cooker or Instant Pot (adjust cooking times accordingly)
Ingredients:
For the Peppers:
- 6 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (or plant-based alternative)
- 1 cup (185g) cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1½ cups (170g) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Seasonings:
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.
TIP: Keep pepper tops for dicing into filling. - Blanch peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes.
Look for: Slightly softened but still holding shape. - Brown ground beef in skillet over medium heat (8-10 minutes).
Look for: No pink remaining. - Add onion, garlic, and diced pepper tops.
Cook until onions are translucent (5 minutes). - Stir in tomatoes, rice, and seasonings.
Simmer 2-3 minutes. - Fill peppers with mixture and top with cheese.
- Bake 25-30 minutes.
Look for: Bubbly cheese and tender peppers.
Crucial Tips:
- Don’t skip blanching – ensures tender peppers.
- Drain excess fat after browning meat.
- Season filling generously – peppers need it.
Storage & Scaling:
- Refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- Double recipe easily using two baking dishes.
Common Mistakes:
- Undercooking peppers.
- Under-seasoning filling.
- Overfilling peppers.
Variations:
- Mexican: Add cumin, chili powder.
- Italian: Use Italian sausage, Italian herbs.
- Vegetarian: Substitute meat with lentils or mushrooms.
Starting temperature for reheating: 350°F (175°C)
Time for reheating: 20-25 minutes covered.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic comfort and modern convenience, delivering restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen.
