Easiest Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe Everyone Will Love

Stuffed peppers have been a beloved comfort dish for generations, with this best classic stuffed peppers recipe delivering mouthwatering flavor in every bite.

Bell peppers bursting with seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese create a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Packed with robust ingredients, these peppers offer a perfect balance of protein and vegetables.

Each pepper becomes a delicious vessel for a savory mixture that promises to delight your taste buds.

The combination of simple, wholesome ingredients transforms ordinary peppers into an extraordinary dinner centerpiece.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to savor this timeless classic that brings warmth and joy to any meal.

Dive into this recipe and experience a culinary tradition that never goes out of style.

Serve Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe With Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Place the stuffed peppers as the star of your dinner table, surrounded by crusty garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal that will delight everyone.
• Mediterranean Plate Pairing: Serve these peppers alongside tzatziki sauce, kalamata olives, and a light Greek salad to transform the dish into a Mediterranean-inspired feast that brings vibrant flavors to your plate.
• Hearty Meal Complement: Add a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus to enhance the nutritional value and provide extra texture to this protein-packed main course.
• Leftover Lunch Magic: Slice the stuffed peppers and pack them for a delicious next-day lunch, which tastes even better as the flavors continue to meld together overnight.

Tips To Store Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe Properly

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover stuffed peppers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Freezing Power: Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve taste and prevent soggy texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm stuffed peppers in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy cheese and prevent sogginess. Microwave works for quick warming, but may slightly reduce texture quality.
• Prep-Ahead Brilliance: Assemble peppers in advance and refrigerate uncooked for up to 24 hours. This technique allows deeper flavor infusion and saves time during busy weeknights. Simply bake when ready to serve.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein foundation with robust flavor and satisfying texture.
• Rice: Adds filling substance and helps bind the stuffing mixture with delightful grainy consistency.

• Onion, Garlic: Deliver aromatic depth and savory undertones that elevate the entire dish's complexity.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy, umami-rich notes that complement the beef's natural savoriness.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings Mediterranean herbal warmth and traditional Mediterranean culinary character.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that balance and intensify overall taste profile.

• Bell Peppers: Serves as delicious edible vessel with sweet, slightly crisp texture and vibrant color.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contributes juicy brightness and natural acidity to the filling mixture.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, rich binding liquid that keeps stuffing moist and cohesive.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides creamy, melty topping that adds luxurious finish and golden-brown visual appeal.
• Parsley: Offers fresh, bright garnish that introduces light herbal freshness to completed dish.

Tools To Prepare Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for holding and baking stuffed peppers.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing peppers and chopping ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for cutting pepper tops and removing seeds.
• Colander: Helps drain excess fat from beef.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover peppers during initial baking.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing filling ingredients.

How To Make Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe Step By Step

• Pepper Preparation

Snag colorful bell peppers and slice their tops off. Clear out seeds and inner white parts. Position peppers standing up in a baking dish like cheerful soldiers ready for deliciousness.

• Savory Filling Creation

Brown ground meat in a skillet until rich and crumbly. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic for extra flavor punch. Mix in cooked rice, tomatoes, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Let everything mingle and get acquainted with seasonings.

• Stuffing Adventure

Gently pack the meat mixture into each pepper. Top with a hearty spoonful of tomato sauce, creating a cozy blanket over the filling.

• Oven Transformation

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide into a preheated oven. Let the peppers bake until they’re tender and fragrant. In the final moments, sprinkle cheese on top and watch it melt into golden deliciousness.

• Serving Celebration

Carefully transfer these gorgeous stuffed peppers to plates. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra taste. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece while it’s warm and inviting.

Flavor Boosts For Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

• Lean Protein Power: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
• Grain-Free Genius: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to create a low-carb version that's perfect for keto and gluten-free diets while maintaining the delicious stuffed pepper experience.
• Cheese Lover's Delight: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for extra kick, mozzarella for melty goodness, or goat cheese for a tangy twist that elevates the classic recipe.
• Veggie Explosion: Mix in additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutrition and add exciting textures and flavors to the traditional stuffed pepper filling.

Hearty Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Classic Mexican stuffed peppers bring robust flavors from traditional ingredients. Savory bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and cheese create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef
• 6 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Pepper Preparation: Trim bell pepper tops, eliminating seeds and membranes. Optional technique involves briefly blanching in boiling water, then rapidly cooling in ice bath to enhance tenderness.
2. Meat Foundation: Sear ground beef in skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned. Incorporate finely diced onions and garlic, cooking until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
3. Flavor Fusion: Blend cooked rice into meat mixture, introducing diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasonings. Gently fold ingredients to create a robust, harmonious filling.
4. Assembling Vessels: Carefully pack pepper shells with meat-rice mixture, ensuring compact and even distribution. Drizzle remaining tomato sauce across peppers to create moisture and depth.
5. Roasting Process: Cover baking dish with aluminum foil, protecting peppers during cooking. Roast in preheated oven, allowing flavors to develop and meld for approximately 35 minutes.
6. Cheese Finale: Remove foil, lavishly sprinkle shredded cheese over peppers. Return to oven, baking until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
7. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding vibrant color and herbal essence. Serve immediately to capture peak flavors and optimal texture.

Notes

• Selecting Peppers: Choose firm, vibrant bell peppers with thick walls for optimal stuffing and structural integrity during baking.
• Prepping Peppers: Briefly blanch peppers in boiling water to soften texture and reduce baking time, ensuring even cooking and tender results.
• Meat Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain excess fat after browning ground beef to prevent soggy filling and maintain a consistent, hearty texture.
• Flavor Customization: Experiment with alternative proteins like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg