Stuffed Bell Peppers with Seasoned Ground Beef and Gooey Cheese

 

Packed with seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and topped with melted, gooey cheese, these Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic comfort meal that’s hearty, family-friendly, and full of flavor. This recipe brings together savory meat, tender vegetables, rice, and cheese in every bite — perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekend meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful, well-seasoned filling

• Balanced with vegetables and protein

• Easy to prepare and bake

• Great for feeding a crowd or leftovers

• Melts together with rich, gooey cheese on top

Ingredients

For the Peppers

• 6 large bell peppers (any color)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 bell pepper (chopped, from a second pepper if you like extra filling)

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, drained)

• 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• Extra tomato sauce or marinara

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold all the peppers upright.

Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers

Wash the bell peppers and cut off the tops. Remove and discard the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottoms slightly so the peppers stand up straight.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the chopped bell pepper and sauté another 2 minutes until tender.

Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Season and Mix

Stir salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. Add cooked rice and diced tomatoes (if using), mixing until well combined. Let the filling simmer for a few minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the seasoned beef mixture into each prepared bell pepper, pressing gently so each pepper is well-filled. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar over the tops of each pepper, and return to the oven uncovered for 10–15 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Once baked, let the peppers cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a mix of bell pepper colors for a more vibrant and flavorful dish

• Don’t overcook the peppers before stuffing — you want them tender but not mushy

• Add cooked rice or quinoa for added texture and to stretch the filling

• Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease in the filling

Variations

• Cheesy Taco Stuffed Peppers: Add taco seasoning to the beef mixture, top with cheddar and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips

• Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and mozzarella; top with grated Parmesan

• Low-Carb Version: Skip the rice and add cauliflower rice instead

• Mexican Twist: Stir in black beans, corn, and taco seasoning; top with pepper jack cheese

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed bell peppers pair beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

• A crisp green salad

• Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables

• A side of salsa and sour cream

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Seasoned Ground Beef and Gooey Cheese make dinner simple, delicious, and satisfying. With rich flavor and comforting texture, they’re a recipe your family will ask for again and again.