Bursting with vibrant colors and irresistible flavor, Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are the kind of meal I could eat every week and never tire of. Think tender, roasted bell peppers overflowing with a savory mix of seasoned beef, fluffy brown rice, and melty cheese—the ultimate comfort food, made simply. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or looking for a dish to impress, Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers check every box for taste and ease. You’ll love how the sweet peppers transform into little edible bowls for a hearty, wholesome filling—it’s a recipe that always gets rave reviews around my table!

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together to create magic in this dish. Each component plays a special role—adding flavor, color, or that perfect bite, so don’t skip a thing!

Extra-virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions, creating a flavorful base for the filling.
Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the mix—yellow, white, or even red onions work beautifully.
Garlic Cloves: Perfumes the stuffing with irresistible aroma and gives a gentle kick.
Lean Ground Beef: The star protein, making the filling hearty and satisfying.
Cooked Brown Rice: Adds fiber, texture, and helps bulk up the filling for the perfect spoonful every time.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Bring juiciness and just the right tang to balance the beef.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies that savory, tomato-rich taste in each bite.
Dried Oregano: A dash of Mediterranean flair—herby and aromatic.
Smoked Paprika: Adds depth, color, and a lovely, gentle smokiness (don’t skip this, trust me!).
Kosher Salt and Pepper: The essential seasoning duo—season to your taste.
Large Bell Peppers: Choose any color you love; each brings a slightly different sweetness and vibrancy to the finished dish.
Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese: Melts to bubbly, golden perfection, crowning each pepper with creamy goodness.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle right before serving adds freshness and turns your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers into a feast for the eyes!

How to Make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Step 1: Prep the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375 F. Take those gorgeous bell peppers, slice off the tops, and carefully scoop out the seeds and ribs. Arrange them cut side up in a baking dish—this gives you the perfect “pepper cups” ready for stuffing. The way they stand side-by-side feels like the beginning of something delicious!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan over medium heat, pour in your olive oil and let it shimmer. Add the onions, cooking until they’re soft and a bit translucent—patience here makes all the difference. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute, releasing those mouthwatering aromas that signal good things ahead.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

To the softened onions and garlic, add your ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it browns—about 5 or 6 minutes should do the trick. You want all the beef cooked through and nicely crumbly, ready to soak up flavor from the other ingredients.

Step 4: Stir in Rice, Tomatoes, and Seasonings

Now, it’s time to add the cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, oregano, and smoked paprika to the pan. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for 4–5 minutes, reducing slightly and bringing all those flavors together. This is where the aromatic magic really happens! Check for salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 5: Stuff and Bake

Spoon the savory beef and rice filling into each prepared pepper, pressing down gently so every one is packed with goodness. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the peppers are starting to get tender but still hold their shape.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the dish briefly, sprinkle the tops of each pepper generously with shredded Cheddar Jack cheese, and slide them back in. Bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and irresistibly golden. Finish with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley before serving—voilà, your Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are ready to impress!

How to Serve Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Garnishes

Although these peppers are show-stoppers on their own, a handful of freshly chopped parsley over the top makes them really pop. You could also try a dollop of sour cream or even a sprinkle of green onions for a little extra flair—the possibilities are as bright as the peppers themselves!

Side Dishes

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are hearty enough to stand alone but absolutely shine alongside simple sides. Think a crisp green salad with zesty vinaigrette, some roasted vegetables, or warm, crusty bread to soak up any saucy goodness left in the baking dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the peppers family-style in a big platter, letting everyone pick their favorite color. Or, slice them in half lengthwise for “pepper boats” that are perfect for parties or potlucks. They even make excellent leftovers for lunch—just as cheerful and tasty the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover peppers cool before storing. Then just tuck them into an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them almost better the second time around.

Freezing

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers freeze like a dream. Place cooled peppers in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag (wrap individually for quick single servings). They’ll keep well for up to three months—so you can always have a homemade meal ready at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

To reheat, just bake in a 350 F oven until hot throughout, about 20 minutes if thawed or a bit longer from frozen. In a pinch, the microwave works too; just cover and heat in 45-second bursts until warmed through. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating for extra melty goodness!

FAQs

Can I make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground meat or use cooked lentils for a nourishing vegetarian option. Everything else stays the same, and you still get all the classic flavors.

What kind of peppers work best for this recipe?

Go for large bell peppers in any color—red, yellow, orange, or green. Each offers its own sweetness and brightness, making the dish as visually stunning as it is tasty. Opt for firm, glossy peppers so they hold up well during baking.

Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely! Cheddar Jack is gooey and flavorful, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack work great. Use what you have on hand or experiment with your favorites—the peppers will be delicious either way.

How can I make Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers spicier?

If you love heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices or add diced jalapeño to the filling. You can also finish the baked peppers with a drizzle of hot sauce or spicy salsa for an extra kick.

Do I need to pre-cook the peppers before stuffing?

No pre-cooking is necessary! The peppers bake up tender yet still sturdy in the oven, perfectly cradling the savory filling without getting mushy. This shortcut keeps the process simple and the results perfect every time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers a spot on your dinner rotation—they truly are as fun to make as they are to eat! With their gorgeous presentation and feel-good flavors, they’re a simple way to make any meal feel special. Happy cooking and enjoy every colorful, cheesy bite!