Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

Name: Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 cup cooked rice; 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Highlighted under: Home Baking Ideas

I absolutely love Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers! This dish combines vibrant bell peppers with a savory filling of rice, meat, and spices, creating a colorful and hearty meal. The aroma that fills my kitchen as they bake is simply irresistible, and the best part is how easy they are to prepare. You can customize the filling to your liking, which makes it a go-to recipe when I want to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy family dinner. Trust me, once you make this dish, you'll find yourself craving it again and again!

Created by

Sophie Adams

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:09:35.891Z

When I first tried making Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers, I knew I discovered a dish that could easily be tailored to my tastes. The combination of flavorful spices with the sweetness of the peppers results in a meal that warms my heart. I have experimented with different fillings, but my go-to is a mix of ground meat, rice, and fresh herbs, which always delivers on taste.

One of the best tips I can share is to precook the rice slightly before mixing it with the filling ingredients. This way, it absorbs the flavors while baking without becoming mushy. Trust me, this little detail makes all the difference in achieving that perfect texture you’ll love!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A colorful and nutritious meal in a single dish
Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences
The perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights

Mastering the Stuffing Technique

When preparing the filling for your Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers, the technique you use can greatly impact the overall texture and flavor. Start by ensuring the onion and garlic are sautéed until they are just translucent; this will release their natural sweetness and enhance the dish. Avoid browning them too much, as this can introduce bitterness. The ground meat should be browned adequately but not overcooked, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This timing is crucial for achieving a well-balanced filling that maintains moisture.

Another essential tip is to let your cooked rice cool slightly before mixing it with the meat and vegetables. Warm rice can release steam, making the filling too wet and causing the peppers to become soggy. Also, if you're using leftover rice, it's a great way to save time during preparation. Just make sure that it is properly fluffed before adding it to the filling mixture for an airy consistency.

Choosing the Right Peppers

When it comes to selecting your bell peppers, opt for ones that feel firm with smooth skins and vibrant color. Red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter, while green peppers have a slightly more bitter taste. If you prefer, consider using smaller peppers, like mini sweet peppers, for delightful bite-sized servings that are perfect as appetizers. Remember, the shape affects stuffing—wide peppers are easier to fill than tall but narrow varieties.

If you want to twist the flavor profile, consider using poblano or anaheim peppers; these varieties provide a slight heat without overwhelming the dish. However, remember that these peppers can be spicier, depending on personal tolerance, so taste and adjust accordingly if you're serving it to guests who may prefer milder flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers are a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare them a day in advance—simply stuff the peppers and place them in the fridge before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you want to prep even further in advance, consider freezing the stuffed peppers before baking. Just wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to three months and then baked directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating leftovers is also a breeze. Just microwave them for a minute or two until heated through, or pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is bubbly again. For best results, cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture while reheating, preventing the peppers from drying out.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your stuffed bell peppers:

Stuffed Bell Peppers

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 cup cooked rice
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Make sure to prepare everything before you start stuffing the peppers!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers:

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the ground meat, cooking until browned. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

Stuff the Peppers

Carefully fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it down gently. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired!

Enjoy your delicious and colorful Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add different vegetables to the filling for extra nutrition. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers, consider serving them with a fresh side salad or warm crusty bread. A balsamic vinaigrette or a zesty lime dressing can complement the savory filling, adding a refreshing contrast. You could also pair them with a dollop of sour cream or a homemade avocado salsa to enhance the flavor, especially if you’ve opted for spicy peppers.

For a fun twist, make a taco bar with your stuffed peppers. Serve them alongside toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or shredded lettuce, allowing everyone to customize their meal. This interactive dining experience is perfect for family and friends, making your dinner feel special and celebratory.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize the filling to suit different dietary needs or personal preferences. You can swap out the ground meat for a plant-based protein like lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian option. Additionally, grains such as farro or barley can serve as a hearty alternative to rice, providing diverse flavors and textures.

If you're feeling adventurous, add some spice by incorporating jalapeños into the filling or mixing in some corn for sweetness. Cheese can also vary—try feta or pepper jack for a different taste experience, or even skip it entirely for a lactose-free version. The versatility of this dish allows you to experiment with flavors while still keeping the essence of the stuffed peppers.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and store them in the fridge, baking them just before serving.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can experiment with different meats, beans, or even vegetarian options like lentils and veggies for a delicious twist.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?

Yes! Stuffed peppers freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to three months.