Easy & Delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Hearty Family Meal
Dive into a comforting classic with our incredibly easy and delicious stuffed bell peppers recipe! These vibrant, hollowed-out bell peppers are generously filled with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, fluffy white rice, and gooey shredded mozzarella cheese, all bound together in a rich tomato base. It’s a truly satisfying and nutritious meal that promises to become a firm family favorite, perfect for any night of the week.
Why This Stuffed Pepper Recipe is a Must-Try
Stuffed bell peppers are a timeless classic, cherished in cuisines worldwide for their delightful combination of tender vegetables and hearty fillings. This particular recipe elevates the traditional dish by perfecting the balance of flavors and textures. The beauty of this recipe lies in how the sweet, crisp bell peppers transform into an ultra-tender vessel, perfectly cradling a rich, cheesy, and savory beef and rice mixture. Each bite offers a comforting warmth and a symphony of tastes that appeals to all ages.
Beyond their incredible flavor, these stuffed peppers are also a nutritional powerhouse. Bell peppers are packed with vitamins, especially Vitamin C and A, and antioxidants. By utilizing lean ground sirloin, we ensure a great source of low-fat protein, complemented by the flavorful sweet Italian sausage. This thoughtful combination means you can indulge in this wonderfully comforting meal without any guilt. It’s a complete meal in one, offering balanced macros and vibrant flavors.
Looking for plant-based alternatives? We’ve got you covered! Explore our delicious enchilada stuffed peppers or try our convenient stuffed pepper meal prep boxes, both featuring wholesome ingredients like quinoa and beans for protein, and bursting with incredible flavors.
Ingredients You Will Need for Stuffed Peppers
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these magnificent stuffed peppers. While the full, detailed list with exact measurements is available in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to get started. Most of these items are likely staples in your pantry, making this a convenient dish to whip up!
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing possible substitutions can help you tailor this recipe to your taste and what you have on hand.
- The Filling: Our recipe calls for a flavorful blend of lean ground sirloin and sweet Italian sausage. We opt for ground sirloin because its lower fat content minimizes shrinkage during cooking, resulting in a more substantial filling. The Italian sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness and spice. If you prefer, you can certainly use all ground beef or all Italian sausage. Other options include ground turkey or chicken for an even leaner protein source, or a mix of plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
- Bell Peppers: The star of the show! Choose bell peppers that are firm, vibrant, and have a glossy exterior. While you can use any color, each offers a slightly different flavor profile. Green bell peppers are the least ripe, offering a slightly bitter, earthy taste. As they ripen, they turn yellow, orange, and finally red. Yellow bell peppers are known for their sweet and mild flavor, while orange bell peppers are a bit sweeter with a fruity note. Red bell peppers are the ripest, sweetest, and juiciest, with the highest vitamin content. All colors work beautifully in this recipe, so pick your favorites for a colorful presentation.
- Rice: Cooked white rice forms the comforting base of our filling, absorbing all the delicious flavors. This recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover cooked rice. If you don’t have any on hand, simply cook some according to package directions before starting the filling. For a healthier or different texture profile, feel free to substitute with cooked brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa for an added protein boost.
- Tomato Base: The filling is brought together with tomato sauce, creating a rich and savory base. You can use plain tomato sauce, or for an extra layer of flavor, consider using crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (drained), or even a marinara sauce if you want to infuse more herb flavors.
- Cheese: We use shredded mozzarella cheese for its incredible melt and mild, creamy flavor. It creates that irresistible gooey topping everyone loves. Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses to customize the flavor.
- Seasonings: Onion, smoked paprika, black pepper, and garlic salt are the core seasonings that give this dish its robust flavor. Smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky depth, while garlic salt provides a savory punch. You can always enhance the flavor with additional herbs like dried oregano, basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 F (175 C). This ensures it’s ready to go when your peppers are stuffed.
- Prep the Bell Peppers: Carefully cut the tops off all the bell peppers. Then, using a small spoon or your fingers, hollow out the insides, removing all seeds and the white pith. The pith can sometimes be bitter, so removing it ensures a sweeter final product.
EXPERT TIP: Don’t discard those pepper tops! You can carefully cut out the stem from the top, leaving a decorative ring. These rings can be placed back on top of the stuffed peppers before baking for a beautiful presentation.
- Pre-Cook the Peppers: To ensure your peppers are wonderfully tender and to significantly reduce bake time, it’s best to pre-cook them. You can steam them for about 15 minutes or drop them into boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes until they are slightly softened but still hold their shape. This step is crucial for a perfectly cooked pepper.
- Prepare the Meat Filling: In a large skillet, combine the ground sirloin, Italian sausage, chopped onion, smoked paprika, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the garlic salt. Cook this mixture over medium heat, using a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles as it browns. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink. Since we’re using lean sirloin, there shouldn’t be much excess fat, but if there is, carefully drain it.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Once the meat is cooked, add the pre-cooked rice, tomato sauce, and the remaining garlic salt to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the savory tomato sauce. This mixture is the heart of your stuffed peppers.
- Arrange Peppers in Baking Pan: Carefully place each pre-cooked, hollowed-out bell pepper into a 13×9 baking dish. Ensure they are standing upright and fit snugly to prevent them from toppling over during baking.
- Stuff the Peppers: Begin filling each pepper about halfway with the savory meat and rice mixture. Then, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the filling. Add another layer of the meat mixture, filling the peppers almost to the top, leaving a small space for more cheese. Finish with a final, decadent layer of mozzarella cheese on top of each pepper. This layering ensures cheesy goodness throughout.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking pan with the stuffed peppers into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld, the peppers to become even more tender, and the cheese to melt beautifully. If you prefer a golden-brown, bubbly cheese topping, you can carefully place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the very end (watch carefully to prevent burning!).
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
While you technically don’t *have* to, we highly recommend steaming or blanching the peppers before stuffing them. This significantly cuts down on the overall baking time and ensures the peppers are wonderfully tender, not crunchy, by the time the filling is heated through. The oven then primarily serves to melt the cheese and fully warm the filling. If you choose not to pre-cook the peppers, you will need to increase the bake time by about 20-25 minutes, but this can sometimes lead to a drier filling. For the best results, a quick pre-cook is key!
Leftover stuffed peppers store beautifully. Once they have fully cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them until warmed through, or for best results, place them back in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling completely and even stuff the pre-cooked peppers, then cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a fantastic option for meal prep or entertaining. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since they will be going into the oven chilled.
Yes, stuffed peppers freeze very well! You can freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, stuff the pre-cooked peppers, place them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding extra baking time. If freezing baked, let them cool completely, wrap individually or in the baking dish, and freeze. Reheat thawed peppers in the oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Peppers
These hearty stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a simple side dish to round out your dinner. For a lighter option, consider a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or tender green beans. These add a fresh contrast to the rich filling. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, or even a side of crusty bread to sop up any extra tomato sauce would be delicious. Serve warm directly from the oven and prepare for rave reviews!
Creative Variations for Your Stuffed Peppers
This classic recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture, or use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet for a fiery flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in finely diced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach into the filling for added nutrients and texture.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Substitute the rice with riced cauliflower or a mix of cooked lentils for a delicious low-carb alternative.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or a smoky provolone for varied flavor profiles. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking also adds a savory crust.
- Herb Garden Freshness: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano into your filling for an aromatic boost.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a dash of dried oregano to the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
More Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Zucchini Boats
- Sausage and Peppers
- Zucchini Pizza Bites
- Greek Chicken Kabobs
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
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Stuffed Peppers
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 6 bell peppers in colors of your choice
- 1 pound bulk sweet Italian sausage
- 1 pound ground sirloin
- ¼ cup onion chopped
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ Tablespoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons garlic salt divided
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice
- 16 ounces tomato sauce 2 – 8 ounce cans
- 12 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
Things You’ll Need
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Large skillet
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13×9 baking dish
Before You Begin
- About 1/2 cup of dry white rice should yield you 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice.
- After cutting the tops off the peppers, you can use the tip of a knife to cut out the stem, providing you with a decorative top for your peppers which makes for great presentation!
- You can easily remove the white pith from the insides of the pepper by holding the pepper in your hand upright and using a small spoon to scrape the pith off the sides and out of the pepper.
- We are using ground sirloin as it has a lower fat content, which means less shrinkage.
- Steaming or blanching the peppers cuts down on bake time significantly. The oven is basically used to melt the cheese topping. If you choose not to cook the peppers first, you will need to increase the bake time by about 20-25 minutes. We recommend boiling or steaming the peppers first as a longer bake time could result in dried out filling.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 F.
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Cut the tops off all the peppers and hollow out the insides, removing seeds and white pith.
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Boil or steam peppers before stuffing them. Steam for 15 minutes, or drop into boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, until slightly tender.
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In a large skillet, combine ground sirloin, Italian sausage, onion, smoked paprika, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the garlic salt. Cook over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, using a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
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To the cooked meat, add cooked rice, tomato sauce, and remaining garlic salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Place each pre-cooked bell pepper into a baking pan, standing upright.
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Fill each pepper halfway with the meat mixture, then top with a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat with more meat mixture and top with a final generous layer of cheese.
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Bake stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. For a beautifully browned and bubbly cheese topping, you can place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the very end, watching carefully.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.