Old-Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers

A timeless recipe that brings warmth and flavor with every bite. These stuffed bell peppers are filled with seasoned beef and rice, then baked in a rich tomato sauce, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Category:

Dinner

Ingredients:

• 6 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the bell peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
3. Cook the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
4. Mix the stuffing: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff the peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing them tightly. Pour a little extra tomato sauce on top of each stuffed pepper.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. For a cheesier version, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
7. Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty, classic stuffed bell peppers!

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

45 minutes

Serving Size:

Serves 6

Tips/Variations:

• For extra flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for more depth of flavor.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant.
• Leftovers: These stuffed peppers can be frozen after baking and reheated later for a quick meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 5g

These old-fashioned stuffed bell peppers are a comforting meal perfect for dinner. Each pepper is packed with savory beef and rice, topped with a rich tomato sauce. You can customize them by adding cheese or swapping the meat for a vegetarian filling.

Love this recipe?
Try our delicious One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice next for another comforting dinner idea!