There’s something extra comforting about a tray of colorful bell peppers filled to the brim with a savory mixture of rice, beef, and melty cheese. Whether you’re craving something hearty, or simply want to impress your dinner table with a homey classic, these Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers are a no-fuss, flavor-packed solution. They’re the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and brings everyone running to the table.
What makes this version truly special is how simple it is to throw together. No complicated prep, just classic ingredients layered in the most delicious way. A quick sauté, a scoop, a sprinkle of cheese, and the oven does the rest of the work. You’ll have a comforting dinner ready in under an hour with hardly any cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers Recipe
These stuffed peppers are a cozy weeknight favorite that checks all the boxes. They’re satisfying, packed with protein, and completely customizable depending on what you have in your pantry. The peppers roast until tender while the filling stays hearty and rich—think of it as a deconstructed casserole baked into its own edible bowl. It’s the perfect recipe to stretch ground beef, use up leftover rice, or sneak in some extra veggies.
This dish is also ideal for meal prep. You can make a double batch and freeze extras for later—just reheat and dinner’s done.
What Kind of Peppers Work Best for Stuffing?
While red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are all great choices because of their sweetness, green bell peppers bring a slightly sharper flavor that balances rich fillings. It all depends on your taste preference. Look for peppers that stand upright and have a flat bottom. That makes them easier to fill and keeps them from toppling over in the oven. If the bottoms aren’t flat, just trim them slightly so they sit steady in the baking dish.
Ingredients for the Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers
The beauty of these Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, from the juicy beef to the sweet, softened peppers.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bell Peppers
Choose large, firm peppers with bright skin. They act as the vessel and soften to perfection in the oven. - Ground Beef
A savory, protein-rich base that soaks up the spices and complements the sweetness of the peppers. - Cooked Rice
Adds bulk and texture to the filling. White or brown rice both work well. - Onion
Brings aromatic depth and sweetens as it cooks down with the meat. - Garlic
A must for that warm, comforting flavor. Fresh minced garlic is best. - Tomato Sauce
Keeps the filling moist and binds everything together with a bit of acidity. - Italian Seasoning
A flavorful herb mix that infuses the filling with classic savory notes. - Shredded Cheese
Melted over the top for a gooey, golden finish. Mozzarella or cheddar both work.

How To Make the Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse them out and place them upright in a baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each hollowed-out pepper. Press the filling down slightly to pack it in. Top each one with a generous handful of shredded cheese.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and the peppers are tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re filling, flavorful, and ready to impress.
How to Serve and Store These Stuffed Peppers
This recipe feeds 4 to 6 people, depending on the size of your peppers and appetites at the table. You can serve them whole for a dramatic plated dish or slice them in half for easier portions.
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just cover and reheat in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze them after baking—just wrap individually and store in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight and reheat for a ready-made meal.
What to Serve With Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers?
Garlic Bread or Cheesy Toast
The cheesy filling deserves something perfect for dipping. Try a side of garlic bread or buttered toast.
Simple Green Salad
A crisp salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast to the richness of the peppers.
Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus
Oven-roasted veggies pair wonderfully and keep the meal wholesome and balanced.
Mashed Potatoes
Soft, buttery mash is a great complement if you’re craving an even heartier plate.
Cornbread Muffins
The sweetness of cornbread offers a satisfying bite between savory spoonfuls.
Creamy Coleslaw
The crunch and tang of coleslaw helps lighten up the meal and brings a pop of color.
Tomato Basil Soup
Pair your peppers with a warm bowl of soup for a complete and comforting dinner.
Want More Dinner Ideas with a Comfort Food Twist?
If these Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers hit the spot, you’ll want to check out these other cozy favorites:
• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a pasta dish that’s bold and comforting.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you love gooey cheese and savory flavors.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a quick, one-pan dinner.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you want ultra-rich and filling.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for smoky, bold comfort in every bite.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 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 your peppers turned out. Did you use green or red peppers? Add a spicy kick or keep it mellow?
I love seeing how everyone makes these dishes their own. Don’t be shy—ask questions and help others cook confidently.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and comfort food classics on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to meals!

Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Description
These Easy Baked Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and hearty dinner option filled with ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and melty cheese. Perfect for a comforting family meal or meal prep, this baked stuffed peppers recipe is a classic American favorite.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
4 large bell peppers
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
3. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Place the cleaned peppers in a baking dish and stuff each with the beef mixture.
6. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use bell peppers that can stand upright to prevent tipping during baking.
Leftover stuffed peppers can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Try mixing in corn or black beans for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg


