Stuffed peppers are a simple, comforting dinner that feels hearty without a lot of extra work. They’re filled with a familiar mix of beef, rice, and sauce that bakes up tender and flavorful right in the oven.

This is the kind of recipe that works well for busy nights and still feels like a home-cooked meal. Serve them on their own or with a simple side for an easy, family-friendly dinner everyone will enjoy.

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Stuffed bell peppers with melted cheese in a baking dish and on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy prep: Simple ingredients and quick assembly make this ideal for busy nights.
Family friendly: Familiar flavors everyone enjoys, even picky eaters.
Great for meal prep: Reheats well for lunches or make-ahead dinners.
Customizable: Swap proteins, rice, or sauce to fit your taste.
All in one meal: Protein, veggies, and carbs baked together.

Stuffed Peppers Ingredients

Bell peppers, assorted colors
Ground beef
Onion diced
Cooked white rice
Pasta sauce
Garlic
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Monterey Jack cheese
Parsley for garnish

How To Make Stuffed Peppers

This visual guide is helpful for making this recipe. For the full printable recipe with measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Cut the bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and arrange them cut side up in the dish.

Chopping onion and bell pepper on a cutting board.

Chop the onion and cook it with the ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, breaking up the meat until fully browned.

Transfer the cooked beef and onion to a large bowl, then stir in the cooked rice, pasta sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Process shot collage of cooked ground beef and rice in a mixing bowl.

Spoon the mixture evenly into each pepper half, add a little extra sauce on top, and sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese.

Bake uncovered until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

Process shot of baked stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Stuffed Peppers FAQs

Stuffed bell peppers with melted cheese in a baking dish.

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work well.

Do I need to pre-cook the peppers?
No, they soften perfectly while baking.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What rice works best?
White rice is classic, but brown rice or cauliflower rice also works.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Print Pin

Stuffed Peppers

Easy to make, these stuffed peppers will be a new family favorite dinner.

Course Dinner

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Servings 8

Ingredients

4 pcs bell peppers all colors
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion diced
2 cups cooked white rice
24 oz pasta sauce
1 tsp garlic
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
Parsley to garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Cut the peppers in half, remove the seeds, and add them to a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Chop the onion.
In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-low heat, breaking the meat up as it cooks, until no longer pink.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat and onions, rice, 1½ cups of sauce, and seasonings.
Fill each pepper half with the mixture. Add another spoonful of sauce on top, then top with cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley to serve.