Stuffed Bell Peppers are the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With their vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients, they not only look beautiful but also deliver a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for the whole family.

These peppers are packed with a flavorful filling made from ground meat, rice, and a delicious blend of spices, all baked to perfection in the oven. Whether you choose to stuff them with beef, chicken, or a vegetarian filling, this recipe is fully customizable to suit your preferences. It’s a complete meal in one bite, making it the perfect dinner option when you’re looking for something satisfying and easy to prepare.
The best part? Stuffed Bell Peppers are both healthy and versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs, and you can easily prepare them ahead of time. Let’s dive into the details of making these delightful stuffed peppers!
Key Ingredients for Your Stuffed Bell Peppers
The magic of stuffed bell peppers comes from the combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:
- Bell Peppers: Choose large, firm peppers in vibrant colors like red, yellow, or green. They’ll form the base for your stuffing and provide a nice, slightly sweet flavor.
- Ground Meat (beef, turkey, or chicken): The protein for your filling. Beef will give a richer flavor, while turkey or chicken offers a leaner option.
- Rice: This adds a hearty texture and helps bind the filling together. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, will melt on top of the peppers, adding creaminess and a touch of indulgence.
How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Prepare the Peppers: Start by cutting the tops off the bell peppers and removing the seeds. This will create a perfect “bowl” for the stuffing.
- Cook the Filling: Brown the ground meat in a skillet and add cooked rice, diced onions, garlic, and spices. Stir everything together and let it cook until the flavors meld.
- Stuff the Peppers: Once your filling is ready, spoon it into each pepper. Don’t be afraid to pack it in tightly! Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese for that melty goodness.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the stuffed peppers in the oven and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your stuffed peppers are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. They’re ready to be enjoyed as a hearty, delicious meal.
Flavor Variations for Your Stuffed Bell Peppers
One of the best things about stuffed peppers is how easily they can be customized. Here are a few variations to keep things interesting:
- Mexican-Inspired Stuffed Peppers: For a twist on the classic, add black beans, corn, and a bit of cumin to your filling. Top with salsa and a dollop of sour cream.
- Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace the meat with quinoa, beans, and a variety of vegetables like zucchini and spinach for a satisfying meatless version.
- Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers: Try a filling made with ground lamb or beef, rice, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
- Spicy Stuffed Peppers: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling to give the dish a spicy kick.
Why Stuffed Bell Peppers Will Become Your New Favorite Meal

Stuffed Bell Peppers offer so many reasons to love them, and once you try them, you’ll see why they’re a dinner favorite:
- Customizable: Whether you prefer beef, turkey, or a vegetarian filling, stuffed peppers are fully adaptable to suit your preferences.
- One-Pot Meal: This recipe is a complete meal in one, with protein, carbs, and veggies all packed inside the peppers.
- Healthy and Satisfying: They’re packed with nutritious ingredients like vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains (or cauliflower rice), making them a wholesome, filling option.
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Delicious Sides to Pair with Stuffed Bell Peppers
Although the stuffed peppers are hearty enough on their own, you can elevate your meal by pairing them with some delicious sides:
- Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stuffed peppers.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is always a hit and pairs beautifully with the savory stuffed peppers.
- Roasted Potatoes: Roasted baby potatoes, seasoned with garlic and herbs, make for a comforting side dish.
- Grilled Veggies: You can never go wrong with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus for a light yet flavorful side.

Stuffed Bell Peppers
Equipment
- Baking Dish For baking the stuffed peppers
- Skillet For cooking the meat filling
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers cored and seeds removed
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) for the filling
- 1 cup cooked rice adds texture and helps bind the filling
- 1 cup shredded cheese mozzarella or cheddar works best
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and spices, and cook until the meat is fully browned.
- Stir in the cooked rice and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Fill each pepper with the meat and rice mixture.
- Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Allow the peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your stuffed bell peppers with a side salad or garlic bread!
Notes
- Feel free to add spices like cumin or chili powder for a Mexican twist.
- Vegetarians can replace the meat with quinoa, beans, or a mix of veggies for a satisfying plant-based version.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice to speed up the process.

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!