Name: Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large bell peppers; 1 medium onion (finely diced); 3 garlic cloves (minced); Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish); 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 ½ cups cooked rice; 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, wholesome dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender bell peppers bursting with savory beef, rice, and melty cheese—comfort food at its finest!

The image shows six stuffed bell peppers in a white baking dish, arranged in two rows of three. Each pepper is halved horizontally at the top, acting as a shell holding a filling of browned ground meat mixed with chopped vegetables and herbs. The filling is topped with melted, slightly browned cheese and sprinkled with fresh chopped green parsley. The peppers vary in color: two red, two green, and two yellow, creating a bright and appealing mix. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a small bowl of additional parsley in the background and a silver serving spoon partially visible on the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love making stuffed peppers because they’re such a crowd-pleaser and the filling is so versatile. Every time I whip up this dish, the rich flavors of ground beef combined with herbs and gooey cheese make it impossible not to dig in.

Classic Comfort: The blend of beef, rice, and tomato sauce inside those sweet peppers creates a hearty, satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Simple Prep: With common ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner you can rely on.
Melty Cheese Topping: That golden mozzarella and Parmesan finish adds just the right touch of indulgence.
Family Friendly: Nutritious and delicious, these peppers are great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, look for fresh, firm bell peppers and lean ground beef to keep the dish both flavorful and balanced. The combination of cheeses adds creaminess and a subtle tang, making the filling irresistible.

Flat lay of six large fresh bell peppers, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, one medium onion diced into small white ceramic bowl, three peeled garlic cloves scattered, a mound of raw lean ground beef, a small white bowl filled with cooked white rice, a small white bowl containing bright red tomato sauce, a small white bowl with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl of whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, and a small bunch of fresh chopped parsley leaves arranged neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bell Peppers: Choose large, sturdy peppers that can hold plenty of filling without collapsing during baking.
Olive Oil: Adds subtle richness and helps soften the veggies as you sauté them.
Onion: Finely diced to meld seamlessly into the beef mixture and add natural sweetness.
Garlic: Minced for that fragrant punch that wakes up all the savory flavors.
Lean Ground Beef: Provides protein and juicy, meaty goodness without too much fat.
Cooked Rice: Acts as a filler to bulk up the mixture and soak up those delicious tomato flavors.
Tomato Sauce: Gives the filling moisture and a bright, tangy base.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that brings out the classic Italian flavor profile.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Divided between the filling and topping for gooey, melty texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth to the beef mixture.
Fresh Chopped Parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish that finishes the dish beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about a Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste and lifestyle. Whether you want to sneak in more veggies or adjust for dietary preferences, there’s plenty of room to make this dish your own.

Vegetable Boost: I love adding diced mushrooms or chopped spinach to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition—it adds a lovely earthiness and a pop of green that pairs perfectly with the tomato sauce.
Grain Alternatives: For a lower-carb twist, try swapping the cooked rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice. I sometimes do this when I want a lighter meal, and it keeps the texture both fluffy and satisfying.
Lean Meat Swaps: If you prefer a leaner protein, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully here. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before combining with the other ingredients.
Cheesy Toppers: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a different twist. For a richer flavor, a sprinkle of smoked gouda adds a pleasant depth.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the filling mix if you’re craving a little heat. It warms things up while complementing the Italian seasoning perfectly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe

A black pan filled with mixed cooked ground meat and small diced bell peppers in red, green, and yellow as the base layer. On top of this, there are three distinct piles: one of smooth red tomato sauce on the left side, one of a green and brown dried herb mix below it, and a large heap of shredded white cheese on the right side, all sitting clearly separated. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While that’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Next, slice the tops off your 6 large bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to create a perfect little edible bowl. Arrange the peppers upright in the baking dish so they’re stable. Don’t toss the pepper tops! Dice the stems you removed and set them aside—their flavor will go into your filling.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced 1 medium onion, the reserved chopped pepper stems, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook this mixture for about 3 minutes until it’s softened and fragrant—you’ll know it’s ready when the onions turn translucent and the garlic releases that mouthwatering aroma.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to your skillet. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the beef browned evenly and fully cooked through, with no pink spots left. This step sets the foundation for your hearty filling.

Step 4: Combine Rice, Sauce, and Seasoning

To the cooked beef, stir in 1 ½ cups of cooked rice, a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors marry and the mixture is heated through. Then remove the skillet from the heat—this step gives you a perfectly balanced, savory filling.

Step 5: Mix in the Cheeses

Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup) along with all of the grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup) to your filling mixture. This not only adds creamy richness, but also helps bind everything together inside the peppers.

Step 6: Stuff and Bake

Load the beef and rice filling evenly into each prepared bell pepper until they’re generously stuffed. Then cover your baking dish with foil to keep the peppers moist and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. This gentle baking softens the peppers and melds all those mouthwatering flavors.

Step 7: Add Cheese Topping and Finish Baking

Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown. It’s the perfect golden finish.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve Warm

Finally, garnish your beautiful stuffed peppers with fresh chopped parsley for a bright pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve these warm for a comforting, hearty meal that everyone at the table will love.

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail this Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe every time, making it both delicious and simple to prepare.

Choosing the Right Peppers: Use medium to large bell peppers so they hold all the savory beef and rice filling without collapsing during baking.
Pre-Cook the Rice: I’ve learned the hard way that adding uncooked rice directly to the filling results in undercooked grains. Always use cooked rice for the perfect texture.
Keep Peppers Moist: Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking locks in moisture, ensuring tender, juicy peppers instead of dry or tough ones.
Don’t Skip the Cheese Mix: Mixing half the mozzarella and all the Parmesan into the filling adds a creamy depth of flavor—something I definitely avoid missing now.

How to Serve Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe

The image shows a red bell pepper stuffed with layers of cooked rice mixed with small pieces of orange carrot and light brown cooked ground meat. The pepper is cut open to show the filling inside. On top, there is a layer of melted creamy white cheese sprinkled with chopped green herbs. This stuffed pepper sits on a beige plate with a silver fork beside it. In the background, two more stuffed peppers, one red and one green, sit in a blue baking dish on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens the plate and adds a subtle herbal note. For a little extra kick, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes complements the rich tomato and beef flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These stuffed peppers go wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or a garlic bread side also make a hearty complement, balancing the meal without competing with the stuffed peppers’ savory goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay flavorful and tender, perfect for quick reheating on busy nights.

Freezing

Let the stuffed peppers cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual peppers on medium power for 2–3 minutes, but the oven method keeps them tender and cheesy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as leaner alternatives, and they work wonderfully in this recipe while keeping it healthful.

What if I don’t like mozzarella cheese?

You can swap mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a different twist. Parmesan adds great flavor, so keeping that is recommended.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the filling and stuff the peppers the day before, then cover and refrigerate. Bake them fresh when you’re ready for dinner.

Is this recipe suitable for a low carb diet?

You can make it lower carb by substituting cooked rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa, both great alternatives that maintain texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy, and hearty dish like this Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers Recipe. It’s a wonderful meal that brings family and friends together around the table, packed with flavor and love in every bite. Once you try this, it’ll surely become a favorite in your rotation, perfect for those cozy weeknight dinners or even special occasions. Enjoy every moment of making—and savoring—this delicious classic!