Description

Looking for a cozy, family-friendly meal that’s quick to assemble and satisfying every time? These Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers are the answer. Colorful bell peppers filled with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and melty cheese, this dish is a weeknight classic. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, healthy comfort food, or meal prep-friendly recipes, this one has you covered. It’s naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and a hit with both kids and adults—perfect for anyone looking for reliable food ideas or a tasty, easy recipe to fall back on.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

4 bell peppers

1 cup cooked rice

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup tomato sauce

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup shredded cheese

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Slice tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Ensure they stand flat.

2. (Optional) Boil peppers in salted water for 5 minutes to pre-soften. Drain and set aside.

3. In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Add ground beef, cook until browned, then drain excess fat.

5. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Fill each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture.

7. Top with shredded cheese.

8. Arrange peppers in a baking dish with 1/4 inch water at the bottom. Cover with foil.

9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes.

10. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Always use fully cooked rice to prevent undercooked filling.

For even cooking, choose peppers of similar size and shape.

Let the filling cool slightly before stuffing for easier handling.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: easy dinner, healthy meal, baked stuffed peppers, stuffed bell peppers, quick dinner, comfort food, gluten-free dinner, family recipe