Saucy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
Classic bell peppers stuffed with a savory ground beef and rice filling, topped with tomato sauce and baked until tender and saucy. Comfort food made easy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 stuffed peppers 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeded
- 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes (plus more for topping)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare peppers and place upright in a baking dish.
- In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil. Add beef and cook until browned. Stir in garlic, seasoning, salt, pepper, rice, and 1 cup tomato sauce. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Stuff each pepper with beef mixture. Spoon extra tomato sauce over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. Uncover, top with cheese, and bake 5–10 minutes more.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Blanch peppers before baking for softer texture.
- Freeze after baking for up to 3 months.
- Use ground turkey or lentils for variation.