Description
Classic Italian stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, herbs, and cheeses. Baked to perfection, they make a cozy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked white rice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rub the outsides with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in cooked rice, Parmesan, mozzarella, and fresh parsley.
- Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture.
- Spoon marinara sauce over the tops and around the peppers in the baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the tops are golden and the peppers are tender.
- Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side.
Notes
Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Use cooked lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Mix in chopped spinach or zucchini for added veggies.
Can be assembled a day ahead and baked later.
Freezes well—wrap individually and thaw before reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
