Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Peppers

Name: Ground Beef And Rice Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Traditional Comfort Food Favorites

I absolutely love making Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers because they are not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice creates a complete meal in a vibrant package. Plus, they are perfect for meal prep and can easily be adapted to include whatever spices or toppings I have on hand. Whenever I serve these, they become a hit among family and friends, making them a go-to recipe in my kitchen.

Created by

Esme Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-02-24T07:57:37.942Z

When I first tried making stuffed peppers, I was amazed at how easily the flavors melded together. By browning the ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic before adding rice and spices, the filling developed a rich depth of flavor. I found that adding a little Worcestershire sauce gave it an extra kick that my family absolutely loves.

One of my best tips when preparing these peppers is to parboil them briefly before stuffing. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender without losing their shape in the oven. I often sprinkle some cheese on top right before serving to add that perfect finishing touch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Colorful presentation that’s sure to impress
Customizable with your favorite spices and ingredients
Great for batch cooking and leftovers

Choosing the Right Peppers

When selecting bell peppers for this recipe, I recommend choosing large, firm peppers for the best results. They should have a glossy skin and be heavy for their size, indicating freshness. Any color—red, yellow, green, or orange—works well, but I find that red and yellow provide a sweeter flavor, which complements the savory filling beautifully.

If you want to experiment, try using poblano or jalapeño peppers for a spicy kick. Just consider that these alternatives will alter both the flavor profile and cooking time slightly. For best results, ensure they are of a similar size to regular bell peppers to maintain uniform cooking.

Beef Filling Variations

While the classic combination of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes is delicious, feel free to get creative with the filling. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef, while quinoa or cauliflower rice can substitute for traditional rice, offering a gluten-free option. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly with different types of meat or grains.

You can also enhance the filling by adding vegetables such as corn, diced zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Mixing in different cheeses like feta or pepper jack can add a delightful twist to the stuffing. Just remember to adjust the spices to match any additional ingredients you incorporate.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These stuffed peppers make excellent leftovers and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can cover them with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

If you’re making a batch ahead of time, you can assemble the peppers and freeze them unbaked. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to cook, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This allows for a convenient, delicious meal ready in no time on busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Stuffed Peppers

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or plant-based alternatives if you prefer.

Instructions

Prepare the Bell Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If desired, lightly parboil the peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes for extra tenderness.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onions and garlic until soft. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Stuff the Peppers

Fill each pepper with the beef mixture, packing it down lightly. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender.

Let the peppers sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Pro Tips

Try adding spices like cumin or chili powder for a twist on flavor.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

Achieving perfectly tender bell peppers requires attention to detail during baking. By covering the dish with foil initially, you're creating a steaming effect that helps soften the peppers. Removing the foil for the final 5-10 minutes allows the cheese to melt and develop a bubbly, golden crust. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as peppers can become mushy beyond the optimal texture.

If you prefer a firmer texture for the peppers, skip the parboiling step entirely. Instead, just cut off the tops and clean them out, then stuff them raw. The cooking time may need slight adjustments, but they’ll retain more of their natural crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed peppers can be served as a main dish but pair wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving them with a tangy yogurt sauce or salsa on the side. A simple homemade vinaigrette over mixed greens complements the hearty flavors beautifully.

If you're entertaining, you can cut the stuffed peppers into halves or quarters for elegant bite-sized appetizers. They also make a great addition to a dinner party spread alongside other finger foods, allowing your guests to enjoy the flavors in a more casual setting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and stuff the peppers, then cover them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even quinoa or lentils for a vegetarian option works great!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

→ Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.