Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice

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Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice, Meat & Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic

Looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that's both wholesome and satisfying? These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice, Meat & Cheese are your answer. Bursting with savory ground meat, fluffy rice, zesty marinara, and gooey melted cheese, this dish delivers home-cooked comfort with every bite. Not only are they beautiful to serve, but they’re also perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even freezer-friendly make-ahead meals.

Whether you’re feeding picky kids or impressing guests, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. Let’s dig into what makes this dish irresistible—and how you can master it at home.

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⭐ Why You'll Love These Stuffed Bell Peppers

Simple ingredients, big flavors

Naturally gluten-free and customizable

Balanced with protein, carbs, and veggies

Oven-baked perfection in under an hour

Great for leftovers or freezing

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🛒 Ingredients (with Purpose Explained)

🔹 5 green bell peppers

These form the “cups” that hold the filling. Green peppers are slightly bitter, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.

🔹 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Provides the main protein base. Beef gives a deeper flavor, while turkey is leaner and lighter.

🔹 1 cup cooked rice

Adds texture and body. Use white rice for softness, brown rice for nuttiness, or even cauliflower rice for low-carb options.

🔹 ½ onion, finely chopped

Gives the filling an aromatic base. Onions add sweetness and depth when sautéed.

🔹 2 cloves garlic, minced

Enhances the savoriness with a pungent, warm kick.

🔹 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for topping)

Adds moisture and tangy tomato richness. Go for a quality sauce or homemade for best results.

🔹 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Melts into a golden, bubbly top layer. Mozzarella is mild and gooey—ideal for binding and flavor.

🔹 1 tsp Italian seasoning

A classic blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary for that beloved Italian taste.

🔹 Salt and black pepper to taste

Essential for seasoning the filling and drawing out flavor.

🔹 Olive oil

Used for sautéing; adds richness and helps bring the aromatics to life.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven

Set it to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready once you assemble everything.

2. Prep the bell peppers

Slice the tops off each pepper, remove the seeds and membranes, and give them a light brush of olive oil. Arrange in a baking dish, standing upright.

3. Sauté the aromatics & cook the meat

In a large skillet, heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Then add the ground meat, cooking until browned and fully crumbled.

4. Mix the filling

Reduce heat and stir in the cooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors blend.

5. Stuff the peppers

Spoon the meat mixture into each pepper, packing it slightly. Optional: add a spoonful of extra marinara on top of each.

6. Top with cheese

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the filled peppers.

7. Bake covered

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to steam and soften the peppers.

8. Uncover and finish baking

Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

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🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers

Parboil peppers for 5 minutes before stuffing for a softer texture.

Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the filling for extra nutrition.

Use leftover rice or quinoa to save time.

Try other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan for a twist.

For extra moisture, pour 1/4 cup water or broth into the bottom of the baking dish before baking.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair your stuffed peppers with:

A crisp Caesar salad

Garlic bread or warm crusty baguette

A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon

Roasted or steamed vegetables on the side

These peppers are also excellent as a lunchbox option—just reheat and enjoy!

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✅ Final Thoughts: Easy, Delicious, and Totally Satisfying

These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice, Meat & Cheese check every box: flavorful, filling, nutritious, and easy to make. With basic pantry ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a restaurant-quality dish right from your oven. Perfect for families, date nights, or solo meal prep wins, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Try it once—and we guarantee it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.

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