Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers

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Stuffed peppers have always held a special place in my kitchen. There’s something comforting about taking a humble bell pepper and turning it into a savory, satisfying dish that feels like a full meal in one colorful package. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a simple make-ahead lunch, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and nourishment all at once.

What I love most about these easy baked stuffed peppers is how customizable they are. I can use whatever I have on hand—ground meat, rice, beans, even leftover vegetables—and they still turn out delicious. The cheesy topping bubbles beautifully in the oven, while the pepper softens just enough to cradle the hearty filling. It’s healthy, hearty, and hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers Recipe

This recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks. It’s incredibly forgiving, great for meal prep, and packs a balance of protein, vegetables, and grains. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made low-carb or vegetarian. You’ll love how it makes your kitchen smell amazing while it bakes, and how happy your family will be when they see it on the table.

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What Kind of Bell Peppers Should I Use?

You can use any color bell pepper—green, red, yellow, or orange. Green peppers are a bit more bitter, while red, yellow, and orange are sweeter. I like to mix them up for a vibrant, eye-catching dish. Just make sure the peppers can stand upright in your baking dish.

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Options for Substitutions

If you’re looking to change things up, try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute. Quinoa or cauliflower rice work well in place of white rice. You can also use black beans, lentils, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

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Ingredients for This Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers Recipe

• Bell Peppers: The star of the dish, acting as an edible bowl that holds the flavorful filling.
• Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, protein-rich base; you can use lean or full-fat depending on your preference.
• Cooked Rice: Adds texture and volume, helping to stretch the filling while keeping it tender.
• Onion: Sautéed onion enhances the savory depth of the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Infuses the filling with a fragrant, savory kick.
• Tomato Sauce: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture and acidity to the filling.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and a burst of tomato flavor to each bite.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings in herby, aromatic notes that enhance the filling.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the overall flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts over the top into a gooey, golden topping—use cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional but adds a pop of freshness and color to the finished dish.

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Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Make sure they can stand up flat in your baking dish. If needed, trim a small bit off the bottom (without creating holes) for balance.

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Step 2: Pre-Cook the Peppers (Optional)

To ensure your peppers are tender, boil them in salted water for about 5 minutes, then drain and set aside. This step helps soften them before they go in the oven.

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Step 3: Cook the Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

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Step 4: Add Rice and Tomatoes

Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until well combined and heated through.

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Step 5: Fill the Peppers

Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper. Pack the filling slightly but don’t overstuff, as the filling expands slightly during baking.

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Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of each filled pepper. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly topping in the oven.

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Step 7: Bake

Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add about 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the pan to keep them moist. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm, ideally with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers

Prep Time: Preparing this dish takes around 20–25 minutes. This includes washing and coring the peppers, cooking the filling (browning the meat, sautéing the onions, and mixing with rice and tomatoes), and pre-boiling the peppers if you choose that route.

Cook Time: The baking process takes approximately 40–45 minutes total. That includes 30 minutes of covered baking to allow the peppers to cook through and another 10–15 minutes uncovered for the cheese to melt and brown slightly.

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Tips for Perfect Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers

• Use peppers of uniform size so they cook evenly.
• Pre-boil the peppers for softer texture—especially helpful if you prefer them fork-tender.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt quality than pre-shredded.
• Let the filling simmer a bit before stuffing to allow flavors to meld.
• Cover the dish with foil while baking to keep the peppers from drying out.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping seasoning: Failing to season the meat and rice mixture can make the dish bland.
• Overcooking the meat: Cook it until just browned—overcooking dries it out before baking.
• Underfilling or overstuffing: Underfilling makes the dish less hearty; overstuffing can spill during baking.
• Using uncooked rice: Always use cooked rice to avoid a crunchy, underdone texture.
• Not checking pepper stability: Make sure the peppers can stand up or trim the bottoms slightly for balance.

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What to Serve With Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers?

1. Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side to scoop up any extra sauce from the plate.

2. Side Salad

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the stuffed peppers.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil make a nutrient-packed side.

4. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes offer a cozy and filling complement.

5. Quinoa or Couscous

Light grains like quinoa or couscous pair well and keep the meal balanced and hearty.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the stuffed peppers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezer: These freeze very well! Wrap each pepper individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

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Estimated Nutrition (per stuffed pepper)

• Calories: 380–450 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice works great and adds more fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing.

How do I prevent soggy stuffed peppers?

Avoid adding too much liquid to the filling, and don’t overcook the peppers. Pre-boiling should be brief.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prep and fill the peppers up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Do I have to cover them with foil when baking?

Covering helps steam and soften the peppers. Remove the foil for the last 10–15 minutes to brown the cheese.

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Conclusion

Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers are a timeless, customizable comfort food that work beautifully for dinner, meal prep, or gatherings. With a flavorful filling and a gooey cheese topping, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family or freezing portions for later, this dish delivers on convenience, taste, and nutrition every time.

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