Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers with a Zesty Twist

My family’s favourite saucy stuffed bell peppers recipe! Filled with beef, rice & a zesty tomato sauce, these are proper comfort food. Get the easy recipe now!

June 2, 2025
By Mia Westlake.

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Alright, let's dive into something proper tasty! remember those nights when your mum served up stuffed bell peppers , and the whole house smelled amazing? this isn’t just any recipe; it's a hug in a pepper.

Recipe Introduction: From My Kitchen To Yours!

Fancy whipping up some saucy stuffed bell peppers ?

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to make stuffed bell peppers that are both comforting and a little bit special? I’ve got you covered. My recipe adds a zesty twist to the classic dish.

Brief Overview

Stuffed pepper recipes are proper old-school. while the origins aren't exactly clear, this dish has variations all over the world.

We're talking mediterranean vibes, italian feels, and even a bit of an american spin. it's medium-difficulty, takes about an hour, and serves four hungry bellies.

Get your best stuffed pepper recipe on!

Main Benefits

This stuffed bell pepper meal is great for a midweek dinner. it's a winner for those after healthy dinner recipes that don't skimp on flavour.

What makes this recipe special? it's totally customisable, so feel free to go wild with your custom menu . you could call it a healthy dinner , or even healthy meal prep .

Ready to learn how to cook stuffed bell peppers ? Let's get to the ingredients!

Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers with a Zesty Twist Recipe Card

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (various colors)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice (long-grain or brown rice)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, or a vegan alternative)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Drizzle the inside of the peppers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
• Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, parsley, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
• Spoon the filling into the prepared bell peppers, packing it in firmly.
• Sprinkle the top of each pepper with shredded cheese.
• Arrange the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish. Add about 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the dish. Cover the dish with foil.
• Bake covered for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:25-30g

Fiber:5-7g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Ingredients for the Best Stuffed Peppers

Right, let's gather our bits and pieces. Don't worry if you haven't got exactly the right stuff. This is all about being flexible.

The Pepper Patch

We need four beautiful bell pepper recipes peppers. i like using a mix of colours (red, yellow, green, orange), and get them about 8 ounces each.

Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and add salt and pepper.

The Hearty Stuffing

Now for the good stuff! get 1 pound of ground beef (or mince, as some say), or ground turkey. you can even use a plant-based alternative.

Next grab a yellow onion, two cloves of garlic, 1 cup of cooked rice, a can of diced tomatoes, half a cup of tomato sauce or even stuffed peppers tomato paste .

Throw in half a cup of chopped parsley, oregano, smoked paprika, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a kick) and half a cup of grated cheddar (or mozzarella, or vegan cheese!).

Equipment Check

Make sure you have a skillet, a baking dish, a cutting board, a sharp knife, mixing bowl, and measuring cups. We are going for an easy stuffed pepper recipe .

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make some saucy stuffed bell peppers ! i love this recipe because it's so adaptable.

It's a real crowd-pleaser, a proper best stuffed pepper recipe , and can be tweaked for almost any diet. think of this as a template for a custom menu .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

Right, first things first, gathering the troops. Don’t worry, you probably have half of this stuff already!

Main Ingredients Breakdown

For the peppers themselves, you'll need 4 large bell peppers, about 8 ounces each. go for a mix of colours.

Red, yellow, green, orange. makes it look pretty, innit? you'll also need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for prepping them.

Quality-wise, make sure the peppers are firm and shiny. no bruises! that is key. i once used a pepper that was past its prime.

Honestly? it made the whole dish taste a bit funky.

Now, for the filling, grab 1 pound (about 450g ) of ground beef. you can also sub in ground turkey or a plant-based mince.

I’ve made these with lentils before. they were surprisingly good! also, you're gonna want 1 medium yellow onion (about 150g ), finely chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced.

Then, 1 cup ( 200g ) of cooked rice. long-grain or brown works a treat. then, 1 ( 400g ) can of diced tomatoes, undrained.

Don't drain them! that juice is flavour! plus, 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) of tomato sauce.

Finally, you'll need 1/2 cup ( 15g ) of chopped fresh parsley and 1/2 cup ( 50g ) of shredded cheddar cheese.

Mozzarella works, too. or even a vegan cheese. i use about 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick!

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Oregano and smoked paprika are essential. this is the flavour base. but don't be afraid to experiment! cumin and chili powder give it a mexican twist.

Red pepper flakes offer a gentle heat.

If you're feeling fancy, a splash of worcestershire sauce adds depth. you know? that tangy umami thing. for a bit of sweetness, try a pinch of sugar.

Honestly, this can make all the difference . when it comes to beef recipes for dinner , this hits the spot.

It's almost health dinner recipes too!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Don't need a ton of kit for how to cook stuffed bell peppers . just the basics. large skillet , a 9x13 inch baking dish , a cutting board , a sharp knife , a mixing bowl , and measuring cups/spoons.

If you don't have a baking dish, an oven-safe casserole dish will do.

No fancy gadgets required. just good old-fashioned elbow grease. thinking about it, this stuffed bell pepper meal is one of the dinner recipes stuffed peppers i find myself going back to.

It is easy and delicious, and i am not really a good chef. it's also a great jumping-off point. you can adapt it a thousand ways.

Next time, i'll go into the variations!

Right, let's get stuck in! stuffed bell peppers are proper comfort food. this classic stuffed peppers recipe is mega versatile.

Seriously, you can chuck in nearly anything! think of it as your canvas.

Let's Get This Show on the Road: Prep Steps

Alright, first things first. a bit of mise en place is key. honestly, getting everything chopped and measured before you start is a lifesaver.

Stops you running around like a headless chicken later.

Get Your Ducks in a Row: Organization

Chop your onions, mince your garlic, and get that rice cooked. Prepping like this will seriously save you time and effort! Think of it as a culinary power-up. Sort your herbs too!

Safety First, Sunshine: Reminders

Mind you don't chop your fingers! Keep your knife skills sharp, literally. And don't leave the hob unattended, yeah? Common sense, really. Now, onto the good stuff.

Cooking the Best Stuffed Pepper Recipe : Step-by-Step

Here's how to turn those bell peppers into a proper feast.

1. Heat your oven to 190° C ( 375° F) . Get those peppers ready by slicing off the tops and scooping out the insides. A little olive oil and seasoning inside? Yes, please.
2. Sauté those aromatics. Fry your chopped onion in oil until soft. Then, chuck in the garlic. Cook until it smells amazing.
3. Brown the Beef Recipes For Dinner ! Add your ground beef (or turkey, or whatever you fancy). Break it up with a spoon. Brown it off nicely. Drain any extra fat, yeah? Health is wealth with Health Dinner Recipes . These also can be considered Beef Recipes Easy and Beef Dinner !
4. Saucy Time! Stir in your cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Stuffed Peppers Tomato Paste , tomato sauce, and all those lovely herbs and spices. Let it bubble away for a bit, about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens. It also will be a great Stuffed Pepper Filling !
5. Stuff 'em! Load up those peppers with your gorgeous filling. Pack it in nice and tight.
6. Cheesy Does It! Sprinkle cheese on top. Cheddar, mozzarella, whatever floats your boat.
7. Bake. Sit the Meat Stuffed Bell Peppers in a baking dish. Add a splash of water to the bottom. Cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
8. Uncover and Finish. Take off the foil. Bake for another 15 minutes. The peppers should be soft, and the cheese golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Blimey, That Was Easy! Pro Tips

Fancy taking your stuffed bell peppers to the next level?

• Want super-soft peppers? Blanch them for 3- 5 minutes before stuffing.
• Don't overstuff! Leave a bit of room for the filling to expand.
• Sorted! Now tuck in and enjoy your masterpiece of a Stuffed Pepper Meal

So there you have it. a proper easy stuffed pepper recipe , perfect for a custom menu . whether you're after dinner recipes stuffed peppers or just a bit of beef dinner , these stuffed bell peppers in oven will hit the spot.

Give it a go! you won't regret it, honest.

Right then, let's talk about how to make these Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers sing!

Recipe Notes

Honestly, this is where the magic happens. It's all about taking the basic recipe and making it yours . Think of it as jazz for your tastebuds!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so you've got these amazing stuffed bell peppers , but how do you make them look like something outta masterchef ? first, don't be shy with the sauce! a little extra stuffed peppers tomato paste drizzled over the top is always a good shout.

For plating, try standing them upright on the plate. you can use a sprig of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of green, you know? a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements these beauties nicely.

Or how about some garlic bread for dipping in all that delicious saucy stuffed bell peppers goodness?

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so you've made a batch of these Meat Stuffed Bell Peppers . Top banana! But what if you've got leftovers? No worries!

• Refrigeration: Pop any uneaten Stuffed Bell Pepper Meal into an airtight container, and they'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Feeling organised? These freeze brilliantly. Just wrap each Stuffed Pepper individually in cling film, then bung them in a freezer bag. They'll last for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, either microwave 'em (quick but can get a bit soggy) or, for the best results, bake them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Give 'em a quick blast to revive them back to the Best Stuffed Pepper Recipe you will get!

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy a bit of a change? Here are a couple of ideas:

• Dietary Adaptations: For a Healthy Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers version, swap the Beef Dinner for lentils or quinoa. You could also use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, chuck in some courgette (zucchini) or aubergine (eggplant). In the winter, butternut squash is a winner. Think about the seasonal ingredients to elevate this Custom Menu to the next level!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Let's get down to brass tacks. these dinner recipes stuffed peppers aren't just tasty; they're good for you too. you get a good dose of protein from the beef (or your chosen substitute), fibre from the rice and veggies, and vitamins from the bell peppers themselves.

Think of them as health dinner recipes hiding in plain sight! the health dinner is easy to find in stuffed bell peppers .

Each serving offers around 450-550 calories, with 30-35g of protein, 25-30g of fat, and 30-35g of carbs. plus, you're getting a decent whack of fibre.

Don't just think about the calories, think of these benefits, for example stuffed bell peppers ground beef low carb

So there you have it! a few little tips and tricks to make your easy stuffed peppers even better. don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own.

Now, go on, get cookin'! you are sure to find other peppers recipes as you progress.