Juicy, savory, and topped with gooey melted cheese, these Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers are the comfort food your dinner routine has been craving. Packed with a flavorful mix of ground beef, tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, these vibrant bell peppers transform into tender, edible bowls of satisfaction. It’s a dish that looks impressive yet is surprisingly easy to prepare—ideal for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Whether you’re serving them as a main course or pairing them with a light salad, these stuffed peppers are hearty enough to stand on their own. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility—you can swap the protein, play with the seasonings, or sneak in some extra veggies. And once you pull them from the oven, the golden cheese topping will have everyone racing to the table.

What Kind of Peppers Are Best for Stuffed Peppers?

Bell peppers are the classic choice, and for good reason. They offer the perfect size, mild sweetness, and sturdy walls that hold up beautifully during baking. Red, yellow, orange, and green all work here—choose your favorite or go for a colorful mix to brighten your plate. If you’re after a slightly sweeter flavor, red or yellow peppers are your best bet.

Ingredients for the Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers

Bell Peppers
These are the stars of the show. Choose firm, evenly sized peppers for even cooking and great presentation.

Ground Beef
Lean ground beef adds hearty, savory depth. It’s easy to cook and absorbs seasonings beautifully.

Cooked Rice
White or brown rice acts as the base filler, giving the stuffing texture and helping absorb the sauce.

Onion & Garlic
These aromatics lay the foundation of flavor. A quick sauté brings out their natural sweetness.

Tomato Sauce
It binds the filling together and adds moisture and rich tomato flavor to the dish.

Worcestershire Sauce
A splash adds umami and depth to the beef mixture—a little goes a long way.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melted on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.

Salt, Pepper & Italian Seasoning
A simple blend to round out the flavors and enhance every bite.

How To Make the Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly steam or boil them for 5 minutes to soften slightly, then place them upright in a baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onion, garlic, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cooked rice, and seasonings. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick and flavorful.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down gently. Top each with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to Serve and Store Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers

Serve these stuffed peppers hot out of the oven with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or an extra drizzle of sauce if desired. They pair well with a side salad or crusty bread. For storage, let them cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. They keep well for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a great lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Do I need to cook the rice before stuffing?

Yes, the rice should be fully cooked before mixing it with the beef filling to ensure even texture and proper cooking.

Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Definitely. Let them cool completely, wrap each in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What other cheese works well?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack are delicious substitutes for cheddar.

How do I keep peppers from tipping over?

Trim a tiny bit off the bottom to help them stand upright, but be careful not to create a hole.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground for a satisfying veggie version.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these easy baked stuffed peppers, you’ll probably enjoy these hearty weeknight favorites:

Looking for more comforting dinner recipes? Come follow along on Pinterest @hallarecipes where I share cozy meals every day on Life with Jam.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use red peppers or go for the green ones? Did you sneak in mushrooms or spice it up with pepper jack?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and eat better.

Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 stuffed peppers

Print Recipe

Description

Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers are filled with a savory blend of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort meal. These colorful peppers are hearty, customizable, and make the perfect weeknight dinner.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly steam or boil for 5 minutes to soften. Place in a baking dish standing upright.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

4. Add diced onion and garlic to the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

5. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cooked rice, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

6. Spoon the filling evenly into each pepper.

7. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheddar cheese.

8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Let cool slightly before serving.