Easy and Flavorful: Perfectly Seasoned Stuffed Bell Peppers for Any Night of the Week

Photo byBy: Amy McCallister

Stuffed bell peppers are the kind of dish that turns a regular weeknight meal into something a little more special. They’re hearty, flavorful, and have that home-cooked goodness that makes everyone feel instantly at ease. With their bright colors and savory filling, these peppers are like edible bowls packed with flavor, offering a little bit of everything in each bite.

There’s a reason stuffed bell peppers have been a staple in many households for generations. They’re incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit any taste. Whether you’re a fan of spicy Cajun flavors or prefer a milder seasoning, stuffed bell peppers are a perfect canvas for your favorite ingredients. Plus, the combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese creates a delicious comfort food that everyone can enjoy.

A Hearty Recipe for Stuffed Bell Peppers

If you’re looking for a satisfying and easy dinner option, this recipe has you covered. It’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Here’s how to make these delicious stuffed bell peppers at home.

Ingredients:

• 6 bell peppers (any color you prefer)
• 2 pounds hamburger meat
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or your favorite spice blend)
• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the bell peppers. Wash them thoroughly, cut off the tops, and remove the seeds and inner membranes. This will create hollow peppers that you can fill with the savory mixture.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the cleaned peppers and allow them to soak for about 10 minutes, or until they become slightly tender. This step softens the peppers, making them easier to eat once baked.
3. In a large skillet, brown the hamburger meat and chopped onion together over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Add the two cans of tomato sauce to the meat mixture, followed by the cooked rice. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Mix everything together well so the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the prepared bell peppers in a baking dish and carefully stuff each one with the meat and rice mixture. Pack the mixture in tightly to ensure the peppers are filled to the brim.
5. Top each stuffed pepper with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese will melt and form a golden, bubbly layer on top, adding a rich and gooey texture to the dish.
6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the peppers are heated through and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy the Perfect Bite!

These stuffed bell peppers are not only flavorful but also offer a great balance of protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish. The combination of savory ground beef, soft rice, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese is hard to resist. Whether you're serving them for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed peppers are sure to please everyone at the table.

What’s great about this recipe is that it’s flexible. You can swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken, add extra vegetables to the filling, or even switch up the type of cheese for a different flavor profile. It’s an easy-to-customize dish that works well for any occasion.

Next time you’re craving a hearty and comforting meal, give these stuffed bell peppers a try. They’re simple to make and bursting with flavor—perfect for satisfying even the hungriest appetites.

Here are several reliable sources for stuffed bell pepper recipes that you can check out:

1. Taste of Home offers a straightforward recipe using green peppers, ground beef, and rice, with options for freezing and reheating. They provide tips on how to achieve the perfect tenderness in the peppers and how to adapt the filling. You can find the recipe and more details here​(Taste of Home).
2. FoodieCrush shares a variation with ground beef, mushrooms, and corn for a rich, hearty filling. They emphasize customization and different vegetable options in the filling. You can check out the recipe here​(Foodie Crush).
3. The Kitchn focuses on a stuffed bell pepper recipe that is easy to prepare with Italian sausage or ground meat, rice, and cheese. This version includes helpful tips for freezing and meal prepping. You can explore this version here​(Kitchn).
4. AllRecipes provides a highly rated recipe that sticks to the classic approach with seasoned ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce. This recipe includes advice on storing and reheating for later meals. You can find the detailed recipe here​(Allrecipes).

These sources should provide you with all the options and variations you need for stuffed bell peppers!