Description
Delicious and hearty stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and Italian spices, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection. This classic comfort food is perfect for a family dinner and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the peppers: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the 4 bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Season and combine: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Add 1 cup cooked white rice and 1 cup tomato sauce. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Stuff the peppers: Divide the beef and rice filling evenly among the 4 prepared bell peppers, packing the filling gently to the top of each pepper.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Allow the stuffed peppers to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and to cool slightly.
Notes
- Use any color of bell peppers you prefer, such as red, yellow, or green.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the filling.
- Make sure to drain any excess fat from the cooked beef to keep the filling from being greasy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
