Name: Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers (Hearty & Easy!) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bell peppers, any color; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, small diced; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 teaspoon no salt added Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder; ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 ½ cups cooked long grain rice; ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley; ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup Italian cheese blend, divided; 2 cups marinara sauce, divided

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 28 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both filling and simple to prepare, look no further than this Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers (Hearty & Easy!) Recipe. Imagine vibrant bell peppers bursting with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, fresh herbs, and melty cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection in rich marinara sauce. This dish brings together the colors, textures, and tastes that make weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for a meal arranged on a white marbled surface. At the center left, there is a metal tray lined with white paper holding a mound of raw minced meat in red color and stringy texture. Above it is a glass measuring cup filled with thick red tomato sauce. To the right of the sauce is a small white plate divided into three sections holding dried green herbs, red chili flakes, and light beige garlic powder. On the left side near the sauce is a glass bottle with golden olive oil. To the right side of the meat and spices are four whole bell peppers in two red, one yellow, and one orange, vibrant and shiny, placed on the surface. Towards the bottom right, there are two metal measuring cups filled with shredded white cheese and cooked white rice. Next to the cheese is a small white bowl with coarse salt. Near the salt, there is a metal measuring spoon filled with finely grated pale yellow cheese. At the bottom center is a whole brown onion with dry skin. Some green parsley leaves appear at the bottom left corner. The setup is bright with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering just a handful of everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this crowd-pleaser. Each component adds a unique flavor or texture that balances perfectly in the final dish, proving that simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results.

Bell peppers (4): Choose any color you like—they add sweetness and vibrant color as the perfect edible vessel.
Olive oil (2 teaspoons): Helps soften onions and adds richness to the beef filling.
Yellow onion (1 medium, small diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the meaty filling.
Kosher salt (¾ teaspoon + ½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Lean ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein base that makes this dish satisfying.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings an herby, classic Italian flair to the filling.
Granulated garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Packs a punch of flavor deeper than fresh garlic.
Red pepper flakes (⅛ teaspoon): Just a touch of heat to balance the richness.
Cooked long grain rice (1 ½ cups): Adds tender texture and helps bind the filling.
Fresh parsley (½ cup, finely chopped): Brightens the filling with fresh, herbal notes.
Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup, finely grated): Gives a salty, nutty complexity.
Italian cheese blend (1 cup, divided): Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheesy top.
Marinara sauce (2 cups, divided): Keeps everything saucy and adds a rich tomato flavor that ties it all together.

How to Make Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers (Hearty & Easy!) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil or spray a high-sided baking dish, then spread one cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. Slice your bell peppers in half vertically, carefully removing seeds and membranes. Arrange each half cut side up, ready to be filled with that delectable mixture.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onions and a pinch of salt. Let them cook until softened and fragrant, around 3 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Toss in the ground beef along with remaining salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Break up the meat and cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients

Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining cup of marinara sauce, cooked rice, fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, and half of the Italian cheese blend. Mix gently until all these flavors meld together into a savory, colorful filling.

Step 4: Stuff and Bake the Peppers

Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each pepper half, aiming for about a heaping half-cup in each. Sprinkle the remaining Italian cheese over the tops. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers (Hearty & Easy!) Recipe

A white baking dish on a white marbled surface holds eight halved bell peppers, arranged in two overlapping rows. Each pepper half acts as a bowl filled with a mixture of cooked ground meat, finely chopped vegetables, and rice, visible as a textured, brownish filling with small green flecks. The peppers alternate between bright red and yellow colors, their smooth surfaces contrasting with the rough, chunky filling. A hand is sprinkling shredded white cheese over the top layer of stuffed peppers. To the side, there is a white bowl with more shredded cheese and a black skillet with a spoon resting inside, showing some leftover filling. Small green parsley leaves lie scattered on the surface near the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a fresh garnish is like putting the cherry on top of a masterpiece. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or a few torn basil leaves for a fresh herbal brightness. A light drizzle of extra marinara or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also elevate the final presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with light sides that balance their richness. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple steamed vegetable medley works beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider garlic bread or a buttery mashed potato to soak up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Jazz up your dinner table by serving one half pepper per plate, nestled on a bed of additional marinara or creamy polenta. For family-style gatherings, arrange the whole pan on the table and let everyone dig in. You can also experiment by stuffing mini peppers for delightful bite-sized appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy tasty meals with minimal effort later in the week.

Freezing

This Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers (Hearty & Easy!) Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Place individual pepper halves in freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly in foil and plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a lifesaver for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen peppers overnight in the fridge or rewarm refrigerated leftovers directly. Cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melty. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be delicious substitutes, each bringing its own flavor twist to the dish. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure meat is fully cooked.

Do the peppers have to be cooked beforehand?

No need to pre-cook the bell peppers. Baking them stuffed as described allows the peppers to soften perfectly in the oven while absorbing all those wonderful flavors.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free marinara sauce and check that your seasoning blends don’t contain gluten additives.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the stuffed peppers a day before baking, keep them covered in the refrigerator, and then bake fresh when ready to serve. It’s a great time saver for busy days.

What type of rice works best for the filling?

Long grain white rice is recommended due to its fluffy texture that holds up well in the filling. You can also try brown rice for added fiber, just be mindful that it may require a longer cooking time before mixing in.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers (Hearty & Easy!) Recipe is one of those recipes that feels warm and nostalgic while remaining quick and effortless enough for any night of the week. The blend of juicy peppers, flavorful meat, and cheesy topping makes it an instant family favorite. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to comfort meal too!

Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers (Hearty & Easy!) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need