As the days get colder, there’s nothing better than a cozy meal to warm you up from the inside out. These stuffed peppers are a great option! They’re hearty, packed with protein and veggies, and best of all, they’re gluten-free and dairy-free – ideal for anyone with dietary restrictions. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, these stuffed peppers are a crowd-pleaser that will fill the kitchen with a savory aroma.
This recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The tender bell peppers are stuffed with a delicious mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, and onions, then slow-baked in a rich tomato sauce that infuses every bite with Italian-inspired flavors. It’s a one-pan meal with minimal cleanup, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Check out the full recipe here…
STUFFED PEPPERS
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 cup instant rice uncooked
- 1 large yellow onion
- 15 oz dice tomatoes
- 30 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut tops off of peppers removing seeds/membrane inside and discard (You can keep the tops to nibble on for later)
- In a large bowl combine ground beef, salt, pepper, diced onion, dry rice and tomatoes. Stir until incorporated.
- Stuff beef mixture into cavity of bell peppers.
- In a baking pan place a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the pan. Place peppers on top of sauce.
- In a medium bowl add the rest of the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined. Spoon mixture over peppers.
- Cover baking dish with a lid or foil and bake for 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Choose Your Peppers: Opt for larger, firmer bell peppers to hold the filling well. Green peppers have a slight bitterness, while red, yellow, and orange varieties add a bit of sweetness.
- Customize the Filling: For a little extra flavor, add chopped garlic, parsley, or red pepper flakes to the filling. You could even sneak in extra veggies like chopped zucchini or shredded carrots.
- Serve with Sides: These peppers make a hearty main course, but they’re also delicious served with a side salad, roasted potatoes, or garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. My family used to eat these peppers with mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal.
Stuffed peppers offer that ultimate balance of nutrition, flavor, and comfort. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can make an extra batch for busy nights when you need a ready-made meal.
Grab your apron, and give this recipe a try – your cozy, delicious dinner awaits!
xo, Kerri
