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Roasted Stuffed Bell Peppers

Roasted stuffed bell peppers with savory beef rice and melted cheese.

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These roasted stuffed bell peppers feature a savory, non-soggy filling of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, topped with melted cheese. A high-heat roasting method ensures perfectly tender-crisp peppers every time. It’s a comforting, complete meal that’s both adaptable and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice bell peppers in half lengthwise, remove seeds and membranes. Place cut-side up in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Drizzle insides with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm remaining olive oil. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until no longer pink. Stir in garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper; cook 1 minute.
  4. Add cooked rice and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring, to cook off excess liquid. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
  5. Evenly divide the filling among the pepper halves, packing gently. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Pour 1/4 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish around the peppers.
  6. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
  7. Let peppers cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Letting the filling simmer to reduce liquid is key to preventing sogginess. For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat. Peppers can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Nutrition