Nothing beats the comfort of a classic stuffed bell pepper. These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are loaded with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, tangy tomatoes, and a melty crown of cheddar cheese. They deliver a satisfying bite with every forkful—hearty enough for a weeknight dinner, yet pretty enough to serve guests.


The peppers themselves roast to tender perfection while holding their flavorful filling like little edible bowls. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping for leftovers, this recipe hits the sweet spot between convenience and crave-worthy. It’s a meal that wraps all your favorites into one delicious dish.
What Kind of Bell Peppers Should I Use?
You can use red, yellow, orange, or green bell peppers for this recipe. Red and yellow are sweeter, while green adds a slightly bitter edge that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. Choose firm, large peppers that can stand upright and hold the filling well.
Ingredients for the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell Peppers: These are the edible vessels for our savory stuffing. Choose fresh, large ones that sit flat.
Ground Beef: Provides the heartiness and protein of the dish. A lean blend keeps it flavorful without being greasy.
Cooked White Rice: Adds texture and helps stretch the filling to make each pepper satisfying.
Diced Tomatoes (canned or fresh): Brings brightness and moisture to the mix, enhancing the overall flavor.
Onion & Garlic: This aromatic duo forms the savory foundation of the beef mixture.
Cheddar Cheese: A golden topping that melts to gooey perfection over each pepper.
Italian Seasoning & Paprika: These spices bring warmth and depth to the stuffing.
Salt & Pepper: Essential to round out the flavors.
How To Make the Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Pre-bake them in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes to soften slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Build the Filling
Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for a few minutes so the flavors combine.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the mixture into each pre-baked pepper, packing it in well. Place them in a baking dish.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Bake
Top each pepper generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serving and Storing Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Serve these stuffed peppers hot, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. They reheat well, making them great for meal prep or next-day lunches. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
What to Serve With Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up any extra tomato juices.
Simple Green Salad
Adds a refreshing crunch to balance the hearty filling.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory stuffing.
Parmesan Baked Potatoes
Crispy and cheesy, a satisfying sidekick.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
A warm, comforting bowl to complete a cozy dinner.
Southern Deviled Eggs
A retro touch that works surprisingly well.
Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce
For those who love a surf-and-turf twist.
Classic Vanilla Fudge (for dessert!)
End your meal on a sweet and creamy note.
Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers, check out these other reader favorites:
- Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet for a smoky, bold dinner.
- Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup to pair perfectly with a crunchy salad.
- Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight when you’re craving something wholesome.
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan if you love creamy pasta dishes.
- Easy Shepherd’s Pie for cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this colorful, cheesy dinner idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you need a quick and hearty meal.
Tried it with your own spin? Maybe added mushrooms, or used pepper jack cheese for a kick? I’d love to know what you did—drop a comment and share your version.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Ready for a weeknight dinner that’s both cozy and impressive? These Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers are the answer. Juicy bell peppers cradle a savory mix of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, tomatoes, aromatics, and gooey cheddar cheese—all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s everything you love about comfort food, neatly packaged in an edible bowl. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner idea, prepping easy meals ahead, or looking for food ideas that are both family-friendly and freezer-friendly, this dish is a total win. Perfect for easy dinner nights, healthy snacks, or even hearty lunch leftovers.
Ingredients
4 bell peppers
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked white rice
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
2. Place peppers in a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes to soften.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
4. Add ground beef to skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
6. Stuff peppers with beef and rice mixture.
7. Top each with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Pre-baking the peppers helps ensure they’re perfectly tender when the filling is done.
Use pepper jack or mozzarella for a fun cheese twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy dinner, stuffed peppers, ground beef, quick dinner, family meal
