Saucy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Melted Cheese
These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are filled with a savory blend of ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and cheese, then baked until tender and bubbling. A simple, hearty weeknight dinner or make-ahead freezer meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1½ cups cooked rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup water (for baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds. Optional: parboil for 5 minutes and drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
- Add ground meat. Cook until browned. Stir in cooked rice, tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Spoon filling into peppers and top with cheese.
- Place peppers in a baking dish. Pour water into bottom of dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 more minutes until cheese is golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
- Add beans, spinach, or corn to the filling for variation.
- Freeze before baking for a future meal.