Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe

I love how this stuffed pepper recipe combines lean meat, rice and a rich tomato sauce with fresh Italian seasonings. The vibrant bell peppers act as the perfect edible container, making every bite a harmonious mix of flavors and textures. It is a cozy, filling meal that never fails to impress me.

I love cooking my Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe because it’s a fun, healthy dinner option that works great for a quick meal. I start with 6 medium bell peppers, heads cut off and seeds removed, so you end up with perfect little bowls to fill.

I use 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey mixed with 1 cup uncooked rice, 1 medium onion chopped finely, and 2 cloves garlic minced for a rich flavor. Then i add 2 cups tomato sauce along with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Sometimes I top the peppers with 1/2 cup shredded cheese and garnish them with fresh chopped parsley. Nutritionally, this meal provides plenty of protein from the meat and essential vitamins from the peppers and tomato sauce making it a well rounded dinner option you can enjoy any night.

Why I Like this Recipe

I’ve always been a fan of this stuffed peppers recipe and here’s why I love it so much:

1. I like how simple it is to make. Even if I’m a bit rushed, I can put together a tasty meal with ground beef (or turkey), rice, and a bunch of good flavors from tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.
2. I really enjoy that it’s super flexible. I can swap ingredients if I need to and I always end up with a delicious dinner that’s both filling and healthy.
3. The mix of tender bell peppers with the warm, savory meat and rice filling just hits the spot. There’s something really comforting about it that makes me crave it every time.
4. I appreciate that I can easily add extra touches—like a sprinkle of melted cheese or a dash of fresh parsley—to make the dish feel extra special when I have a little extra time.

This recipe is honestly one of my favorites because it comes together fast, tastes amazing, and makes me feel like I’ve really put together something homemade, even on a busy day.

Ingredients

• Bell Peppers are crunchy, loaded with vitamins and fiber, plus they bring a naturally sweet flavor that makes dishes feel fresh.
• Ground beef or turkey supplies protein that helps with muscle building and adds a rich taste without being overly greasy.
• Uncooked Rice provides necessary carbohydrates for energy while absorbing all the savory sauces, making each bite satisfying.
• Tomato Sauce gives a tangy yet slightly sweet zest with antioxidants, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Onion and Garlic add a savory kick and nutritional benefits that help with digestion while rounding out the taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 medium bell peppers (any color) – tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping
• Optional: Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s nice and hot before you start.

2. Cut off the tops of the 6 medium bell peppers, remove the seeds, and set them aside.

3. Cook 1 cup of uncooked rice following the package directions until it’s almost done, then put it aside.

4. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of ground beef or ground turkey. Once browned, add in 1 finely chopped medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves and cook ’em until the onion gets soft.

5. Pour in 2 cups tomato sauce with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

6. Stir the nearly cooked rice into the meat sauce until everything is well combined.

7. Fill each bell pepper with the beef (or turkey) and rice mixture. Make sure you pack ’em in good, but be careful not to overfill.

8. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.

9. If you like melted cheese, remove the foil, sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until bubbly.

10. Optional garnish: sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – for preheating to 375°F
2. Pot – to cook the 1 cup of uncooked rice
3. Large skillet – to brown the meat and softening the onions and garlic
4. Baking dish – to arrange the stuffed peppers during baking
5. Aluminum foil – to cover the peppers while they bake
6. Knife – to cut the tops off the bell peppers and to chop the onion and garlic
7. Cutting board – for safely chopping the peppers, onion and garlic
8. Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure rice, tomato sauce, italian seasoning, and other ingredients
9. Spoon or spatula – for stirring the meat sauce and rice mixture

FAQ

Best Classic Stuffed Peppers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• You could substitute the bell peppers with hollowed-out zucchinis or tomatoes if you want a different twist
• If you dont have ground beef or turkey, try using ground chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute
• You can swap the 1 cup uncooked rice with quinoa or couscous for a change in texture and flavor
• Instead of tomato sauce, consider using a thick marinara or even a chunky tomato salsa if you like bits in your sauce
• If you dont have a medium onion, chopped shallots or even green onions can work as a milder alternative

Pro Tips

1. When you cook the rice, try to stop it just before it’s really done so it keeps it from gettin mushy when baked.
2. Brown the meat nice and even and if there’s too much grease, drain it off a bit, so you don’t end up with a super oily mix.
3. Season your tomato sauce well before mixin it together with the rice and meat – it really brings out the flavor, so don’t be shy with the salt and pepper.
4. If you like your peppers a bit soft, make sure they sit in the oven long enough, but check ’em now and then so they don’t lose their shape too much.