If you’re craving a hearty, colorful meal that’s bursting with flavor, you’re going to love this Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe. This dish combines tender bell peppers filled to the brim with a savory blend of seasoned ground meat, rice, and tomatoes, then topped with melty, golden cheese. It’s the perfect balance of comforting textures and vibrant flavors that will make every dinner feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or guests, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the crisp, sweet bell peppers providing a colorful vessel, to the savory ground meat and fragrant seasonings that make filling each pepper a true delight. And of course, creamy melted cheese adds that irresistible finishing touch.
- 4 large bell peppers (any color): Choose firm peppers for the best shape and sweetness.
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey: Adds rich, meaty flavor and protein to the stuffing.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Provides a comforting texture that complements the meat perfectly.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the mix.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth that wakes up every bite.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh): Offers juicy freshness and natural acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that enhances all the savory flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting the dish’s flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to top off the peppers with a gooey crown.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and bring everything together.
How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your bell peppers and carefully cut off the tops, then remove the seeds and membranes inside. This creates the perfect cavity for stuffing later and ensures every bite is tender and easy to enjoy after baking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they turn soft and fragrant. This base layer brings a wonderful depth of flavor that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
Add your ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Stir and crumble the meat as it browns, making sure it’s fully cooked and nicely browned for that rich meaty taste. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the stuffing from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
To the cooked meat, stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for a couple minutes until the mixture is heated through and well combined. This filling is where all those flavors marry perfectly.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Stand each prepared bell pepper upright in a baking dish. Carefully fill each one with the savory meat and rice mixture, packing it gently to get a nice hearty portion in every pepper.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and the filling to meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Finish Baking for a Gooey Top
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This final step adds that perfectly melty texture we all crave in a Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the peppers cool for a few minutes to set and make them easier to handle. Then dive right in to enjoy this comforting, satisfying meal!
How to Serve Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a beautiful pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that complements the rich filling. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy hot sauce can also elevate each bite to a whole new level.
Side Dishes
These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with light side salads featuring crisp greens or a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the filling. Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables also make fantastic companions that keep the meal balanced yet hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve each pepper on a rustic wooden board with a slice of lemon or lime on the side. You can also hollow out mini bell peppers for bite-sized appetizers, perfect for parties or as a starter before the main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They tend to taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making them great for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
This Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, perfect to keep on hand for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen peppers overnight in the fridge. Warm them in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes, or microwave on medium power until heated through. Add a little extra cheese on top before reheating for an extra melty finish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick, feta for tanginess, or a blend of Italian cheeses to vary the flavor while keeping that gooey, delicious texture on top.
Are there vegetarian options for Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe?
Yes! Swap out the ground meat for hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and lentils or beans. Just cook them with the same seasonings and rice for a flavorful vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
Can I prepare the peppers ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. You can stuff the peppers a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. When ready, just pop them in the oven and bake according to the recipe’s timing. It’s a real time saver for busy evenings.
What if I don’t have cooked rice on hand?
No worries! You can cook rice fresh or substitute with other grains like quinoa or couscous to change up the texture while still providing that hearty base inside the peppers.
How do I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?
Using firm, fresh bell peppers and baking them covered at first locks in moisture without over-softening. Removing the foil at the end helps dry the tops and melt the cheese beautifully, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe is pure comfort food magic—easy to make yet impressively flavorful and colorful. It’s perfect for feeding your loved ones a wholesome, satisfying meal that feels cozy and special. Give it a try at your next dinner and watch it quickly earn its place as a kitchen favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory blend of ground beef or turkey, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, topped with melted cheddar or mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping and Other
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned thoroughly. Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Mix Filling: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Prepare Peppers: Stand the bell peppers upright in a baking dish, ready to be filled.
- Fill Peppers: Spoon the meat and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper, packing the filling gently.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese generously over the top of each stuffed pepper.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the peppers and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes after baking before serving to enhance the flavors and ensure safe eating temperature.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be substituted for a leaner option instead of ground beef.
- Use any color bell pepper according to your preference or availability.
- Cooked rice can be white, brown, or any preferred variety.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with cooked lentils or beans.
- You can add other spices or herbs like paprika or parsley to personalize the filling.
